Children’s centres
Children’s centres offer advice and support for all parents and carers of children from pregnancy until they are five years old.
They specialise in supporting you to develop the knowledge, confidence and skills you need to care for your children and give them the best possible start in life.
Search for your local children’s centre >
Can anyone use children’s centres?
Yes, they are for mums, dads, step-parents, grandparents, childminders, foster carers, in fact anyone who cares for babies and children under five years old.
What can a children’s centre offer you and your family?
- Group activities that are accessible for all children, through all stages of their development.
- Child and family health services, such as antenatal courses, infant feeding advice, equipment loans such as breast pumps, smoking cessation and healthy eating courses.
- Information and advice on childcare choices in your area, free early education and childcare for 3 and 4-year-olds, and some 2-year-olds – known as 2gether funding.
- Information about schools and applying for school places.
- Parenting advice and classes.
- Family finance and budgeting advice and support.
- Support and information for families of children with additional needs.
- Information about the latest Jobcentre Plus vacancies and benefits, and other services such as housing to make sure you continue to get help and support as your child grows.
How much does it me cost to use a children’s centre?
Nothing – it’s free to join and anyone who cares for a child under five can become a member.