Twyford

Twyford Children’s Centre opened its doors in June and it’s proving an instant hit with local families. And on Tuesday September 15 MP Theresa May and Cllr Rob Stanton, executive member for children’s services, will visiting the brand new centre to see the first-rate facilities.

The Twyford centre, which is located within the grounds of Colleton Primary School, also has a new name - The Starlings Children’s Centre - and is open to parents to be and families with children aged under five years old.

The centre is open all year and runs a variety of sessions designed to cater for the needs of Twyford families. It offers play and learn sessions as well as messy and creative play sessions for the whole family to enjoy. A new parents’ group session is now open to expectant mums and dads on Tuesdays and health visitors drop by to offer advice and support.

Another regular session is a Twyford baby drop-in designed for families who have children aged under 20 months and these run every Tuesday and the Friday Fit and Fun Session is proving very popular with all. All drop-in sessions are free to attend and there is no need to book, although sessions run on a first come, first served basis, and families are advised to arrive promptly.

The Starlings Children’s Centre aims to support families in times of need and works with local midwives, a health visiting team and the family information service. Midwives offer an ante natal clinic once a month and the health visiting team visits weekly to offer help and advice on any concerns about parents/ carers have about their children. The family information service also visits each week.

Other services that are in the planning stage for the future include breast feeding support, professional home carers’ session and a dads’ and male carers’ session.

The Twyford Starlings has a family link worker based at the centre who can help any family in need of a little more support. The link worker can see a family either in the centre or visit them in their own home. Families can access a wide range of support and information through the centre staff. You can find out what is happening in your local area and, where necessary, to gain access to more specialised support and services.

Cllr Rob Stanton, executive member for Twyford children’s services, said: “The services provided by Wokingham Borough children’s centres and the support they provide to families all help to ensure that young children get the best possible start in life which is a key priority for the borough council. I am delighted that the borough’s newest centre at Twyford – The Starlings – is proving very successful and popular with local families and I very much hope the success will continue. We are planning more services at the centre, so if families have any views on what they might like to see at the Starlings Children’s Centre, we’d love to hear from you.”

Since the centre opened its doors in June, many local families have been making use of the centre. Anna Norris of Twyford said: “The children love the toys and activities. I enjoy the chance to meet friends, old and new. My toddlers can walk here and best of all, it’s free!”

“It’s an invaluable local resource that gives us as busy parents, an alternative to staying at home. The children’s centre has become an important part of our week. It’s a great place for me as a dad to take the children out knowing they’re going to have a great time, with friendly, trained staff. It’s a big help for a new dad,” said Paul Freudenberg.

“The children’s centre is brilliant, providing a safe, well organised stimulating environment for young children and their carers to meet and play,” said Twyford’s Victoria Costaza.

For a full list of activities please call (0118) 934 4638.

Wokingham Borough Council ~ Twyford