Workington Children's Centre will be contributing to a countywide art project next Tuesday (29 May) as local children come together to create a collage to celebrate the work of Sure Start.
Sure Start offers a range of services to families, including childcare and early education, health services, advice, and help with getting training and work. Government funded, it is supported locally by Cumbria County Council.
Workington Children's Centre, along with the other 15 Sure Start children's centres in the county, has been invited to contribute to a piece of art work celebrating 'Every Child Matters'
'Every Child Matters' is a national project aimed at making sure children and young people can have a good life, whoever they are and no matter what problems they may face.
Each children's centre has been given a cotton sheet on which children can paint, draw, stick and glue anything they wish to make a piece of art that illustrates one one of the five aims of Every Child Matters:
- be healthy
- stay safe
- enjoy and achieve through learning
- make a positive contribution to society
- achieve economic wellbeing
Throughout May, each children's centre has been working on their piece of art.
Next Tuesday Workington Children's Centre is having a special art and crafts day to decorate their sheet which will then be pieced together with those from all the other children's centres at a special fun day at Trotters World of Animals in Bassenthwaite in June. This will create the countywide 'Every Child Matters' piece of art.
Children's centres are 'one stop shops' for parents - a place where they can get help and information on services in their local area for both themselves and their children.
Philip Chappelhow is the county council's cabinet spokesman for children's services. He said:
"This is a great opportunity to highlight the wide range of services and support available from Sure Start for children and families from pregnancy right through to age 19.
"Part of the county council's Children's Services, they also work with colleagues in health, care services and the voluntary and private sector. That that joint working means that the services and support families get is comprehensive, and constant."
Tina Hugo is the Information and Projects manager for Cumbria County Council's Children's Services. She said:
"We are delighted that so many centres are taking part in the 'Every Child Matters' art project.
"We want to make a big splash this year to celebrate Sure Start, as well as raise awareness of all the services we offer. There are lots of events going on in Cumbria and Workington Children's Centre arts and crafts day is one of many to celebrate the work childcare professionals do with children and their families."
ENDS
You are invited to send a reporter/photographer to Workington Children's Centre, Minto Centre, Nilsson Drive on Tuesday 29 May, 10am-12 noon and 1-3pm. To arrange a time, and for further information:
Alison Lister, media team on 01228 606335
Notes
Children's Centres have been developed as 'one stop shops' for parents - a place where they can get help and information on services in their local area for both themselves and their children. The services they offer include:
- good quality early learning combined with day care
- child and family health services, including antenatal services
- family support services
- a base for a childminder network
- links with Jobcentre Plus to support parents/carers who are considering training or employment
- drop in sessions and other activities for children and carers