According to Sue Brown, head of Plaistow Primary School's new children's centre, services are already 'over-subscribed'.
'We are having to squeeze people in and provide more activities,' she says. 'We've just started extra toddler gymnastics and singalong sessions.'
The 800 square metre extension to Plaistow Primary School has been financed by Newham Council to the tune of £1,082,000 and a further £100,000 from the school's budget. The money has been spent on creating three rooms earmarked for daycare and two rooms for a creche, training sessions and parent classes. The primary school is also benefiting from a green play area.
Plaistow Primary School is a member of the E13 group of schools, which work together to provide more practical support for the diverse local community. The children's centre has developed a wide range of services including a toy library, messy play sessions for over-twos, baby massage and baby yoga, along with family learning, ante-natal support and extra support for new mothers.
The school has National Healthy School status and the children's centre is prioritising a healthy eating programme. Ms Brown says, 'We have a nutritionist who comes in every month and advises us on diet. We offer classes to parents on healthy eating for one- to five-year-olds, complete weaning and help with lunchboxes.'
With the school summer holidays kicking in, the centre expects to be extremely busy over the next few weeks.
'We are extending our activities to include eight-year-olds and have four family fun days organised for the holidays, while all our regular groups will be running as usual. Special activities include arts and crafts, T-shirt dying and cookery.'
The children's centre employs a family support worker, an outreach worker and childminder co-ordinator, and a creche supervisor and worker. 'Tenders are out for a private provider to offer full daycare from the beginning of next year,' says Ms Brown.
Ms Brown says that the centre is benefiting from a new outdoor area. 'We've just had a garden area built with tunnels and a tree house. Children in the centre also have access to the school playground.'
Newham's commitment to its children's centre programme was re-iterated by Councillor Quintin Peppiatt when he attended the launch in June. He said, 'It is one of our priorities to improve our services so that we have a greater and better impact on the quality of life and prospects for children and families. Our programme means we have centres in locations across the borough ensuring services are accessible at the most local level.'
