Each children's centre provides a range of child, family and maternity services in children's centres.
Ante-natal support
A midwife will be available at every children's centre at least once a week. Routine ante-natal checks can be carried out at the children's centres.
Your local children's centre can help you to access workshops, group and private sessions are available to monitor your health during pregnancy, as well as the health and development of your baby.
Post-natal support
Children's centres will provide information, guidance and support on breastfeeding, establishing a routine and adjusting to life changes after the birth.
Visits to new parents
Within 2 months of birth all children are visited by a health visitor. During this appointment, parents will be given information on their local children's centre services.
Parenting support
Families with children under 5 will be given parenting information, advice and guidance. This can be given either at home or at a centre. This support may be individual support or support within a group.
Help with breastfeeding
Children's centres will provide information, guidance and support on breastfeeding. Help will be made available to those experiencing breastfeeding problems.
Healthy eating
Children's centres will provide a range of services aimed at promoting healthy eating including practical advice on healthy eating habits, food preparation, budgeting and shopping.
Child development checks and immunisations
Children's centres will give information about routine development checks and pre-school immunisations with your health visitor.
Early language and communication support
Children's centres will provide advice and support about early communication and play development.
A play and communication worker, supported by a speech and language therapist, will provide group sessions for parents and children, drop-ins and parent workshops. They will also provide individual advice and support.
Health and safety advice
Children's centres will provide information and advice on health and safety within the home and in the community.
Healthy lifestyle advice
All children's centres will provide a range of services aimed at promoting healthy lifestyles.
This will include healthy eating, smoking cessation, help for drug and alcohol problems, physical health and activity, sexual health, and dealing with stress and anxiety.