Creating a community hub for family services

The new Dukes Meadow Children’s Centre, based on the Cavendish Primary School site in Chiswick was officially opened this week by Cllr Paul Lynch.

The centre will will serve as a community building and an information hub for all universal services including the local Primary Care Trust Team.

Childcare services at the centre will be provided by the Riverside Day Nursery who will provide full and part time playgroup sessions. The Dukes Meadows Children’s Centre will offer support, advice and help when required from a very local venue point.

A variety of groups including, a drop in, toddler stay and play session and a lone parent network information centre will all be held at the centre. There are also plans to hold adult education basic skills classes and a surgery session with the local community police. The National Childminding Association is also hoping to hold drop in sessions for their childminders, which will include on going support for them in their profession.

Councillor Lynch said, "Children’s Centres bring together services at a local level. These include supporting families, parents and children of the under 5’s and this is what we believe the Dukes Meadows Community Centre will offer our local community.

"The centre will significantly improve the health, well-being and educational attainment of children, particularly those who are disadvantaged. They will also help parents and their children access self-development, training and employment opportunities.”

December 11, 2008