Sure Start Children’s Centres
Sure Start Children's Centres are based at East Surrey.
What are Sure Start Children’s Centres?
Children’s Centres provide services for families with children under 5 to receive integrated services and information in the local community, with the aim of improving outcomes for all children across the country.
In response to local needs, different agencies are brought together, providing a link for families with a range of services.
Sure Start Children’s Centres can offer support services or links with other providers in the local area, including:
- Early education and childcare.
- Support for mums, dads and carers - parenting advice and groups, childcare options.
- Child and family health services – Health Visitor services, breastfeeding support and health screening.
- Support and help for mums, dads and carers to move into employment and training – links with the local Jobcentre Plus.
Common Questions
What can I expect from a Welcare Sure Start Children's Centre?
You will be able to access a wide range of local services, and get the chance to meet other mums, dads and carers and children. You will also be able to take advantage of such services as free legal advice, practical support, a toy library, buddy schemes and parenting groups to name a few. We also have the capabilities to support children and mums, dads and carers with special needs, young parents and targeted parenting groups. To see what is available at each of our Children’s Centres please visit the Surrey Children’s Centre website.
Is it just for parents and children?
No, our Children’s Centres are for anyone with an interest in families and young children such as childminders and carers of children under 5 years of age.
Childcare
The Welcare centre in East Surrey can provide information and advice about local childcare facilities.
Crèche
Free childcare for children aged up to 5 years, for mums, dads and carers using activity groups at the centre.
Stay and Play Sessions
Drop-in sessions with different themes and arts and crafts activities each week, offering a chance to play with your little ones and meet other mums, dads and carers.
Volunteers
As a charitable organisation, Welcare encourages volunteers to help in our centres and receives valuable support from our voluntary team.
It is up to you how much time you are able to commit to our centres, and those of you that do decide to become a Welcare volunteer will be offered support and training. All our volunteers required to have an Enhanced CRB check and references.
For further information please visit the Get Involved section of our website.
For Childminders
We run a monthly childminders group for registered childminders, providing an opportunity to meet with others and participate in activities to evidence the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) Learning Journal.
For more information and support, please contact the Childcare Information Helpline on 0800 2346 346. All Local Authorities provide a service for supporting childminders. We also run groups for childminders at Welcare in East Surrey.
Early Education
For more information on this, please visit the St. Matthews Church of England School website.
Money Matters
If you are in need of information, advice or support relating to money issues, you may find the links below useful. Welcare may also be able to help you with emergency funds and link you with local agencies to support you with purchasing white goods and furniture.
Benefit Entitlement
For information on what benefits you are entitled to, visit the Direct Gov website. This can be anything from those on a low income, those looking for work, working parents and tax credits, carers’ allowance, and expectant or new mothers.
Child Trust Fund (CTF)
The Child Trust Fund is available for all children born on or after 1 September 2002, which offers a £250 voucher to start off this savings and investment account. No money can be withdrawn until your child turns 18. Children in low income families will receive additional payments.
Citizens Advice Bureau
The Citizens Advice Bureau offers free help for people with money, legal and other issues.
Freecycle
This site is designed to help people get rid of their unwanted items and match them with the people that need them. A grassroots movement, Freecycle aims to keep useful things out of landfills and is a place for people to give and receive things for free. Internet access is available by appointment at the Welcare in East Surrey Sure Start Children’s Centre.
Sure Start Maternity Grant
The Sure Start Maternity Grant is a one-off payment to help mothers on low income towards the cost of a new baby. It does not affect your benefits or savings, nor does it have to be repaid.
For Dads
Welcare acknowledges that many of the community services available tend to be geared towards mothers and female carers. We recognise that dads have an important role to play too, and can also be the sole carers and single parents for families today. There are a number of groups running in the Redhill area. Please contact us for further information.
Job Spot!
The Welcare Children’s Centre in East Surrey can provide learning and training opportunities, as well as support to further education. The local Jobcentre Plus is situated at:
15 London Road
Redhill
Surrey
United Kingdom
RH1 1BQ
Telephone: 0845 604 3719
Textphone: 0845 608 8551
Please call the Welcare in East Surrey centre for further details of how we can help you.