Health and Children’s Centres are places where families with young children under 5 can go to access a range of activities and support services, in a location that is handy for them.
To access any Health and Children’s Centre service, simply register online at: www.suffolk.gov.uk/childrenscentres and drop-in to your local Centre.
Opened in Autumn 2010, the Bury Library Children's Centre has been developed as part of the major library refurbishment, providing an excellent facility that is spacious, modern and well equipped. We run family activities that help children learn through play. Our sessions and groups are designed to assist a child’s learning and development and offer an enjoyable experience for both parent and child. Located in Bury Town centre on the ground floor of the Library, with the main Bus Station opposite and Car Parking a short walk away, the Children’s Centre is very accessible. Our Health and Children's Centre services include: Family activities, antenatal services, health services, advice about money and housing, help with school readiness, infant massage, parenting support groups, information about childcare and accessing free early education for your child, breastfeeding support and support to access many other services according to your needs.
How does Bury Library Children’s Centres cater for children and families with special educational needs and/or disability?
Children's Centres are for families with children under five. In Suffolk we have joined up our Children’s Centre’s with our Health Visiting service, as we believe this will provide you with the best care and support. The Children's Centre teams are made up of Health Visitors, Family Support Practitioners and Support and Information Officers.
At Bury Library Children’s Centres, we are committed to promoting and providing high quality learning and play opportunities. We believe in valuing and respecting each individual in a welcoming, accessible and inclusive environment. The Centre has an equal opportunity policy which is reviewed as a minimum yearly. We offer a range of universal and targeted support and services which are designed to meet the needs of all users.
Where possible, all our group activities are planned to meet individual children’s needs. We work within the Early Years Foundation Stage framework, and will capture evidence of your child’s progress as she/he attends the centre. Play sessions will offer activities which can be arranged on different heights including floor level and we can adapt sessions to meet individual’s needs. All our toys and equipment are suitable for children aged 0 to 5 years and we have a range of specialist resources, including sensory equipment.
We offer a range of parenting courses to help support parents in managing challenging behaviours. Please see our timetable for a full list of groups and for more information.
How will staff support my child's needs?
Staff are on hand during our activities and can offer help and support as required. One-to-one support is available for families in the home and we will work in partnership with you and other agencies in meeting your families and child’s individual needs. Your child is at the heart of our service, and should you require additional help, we will work with you to help identify any areas of concern, ensuring your child’s wishes and feelings are at the centre of the support. We are trained to use the Common Assessment Framework to ensure that we are able to undertake a good assessment of your child’s needs, recognising and building on their strengths.
Information, advice and guidance is available and we can help to signpost you to other relevant local services and support as required. These can include
The Special Educational Needs and Disability Information, Advice and Support Service (SENDIASS) which provides information, advice and support to young people and children with SEN or disabilities aged 0-25 and their parents, about education, health and social care
When it is time for your child to start attending nursery, pre-school or school, we can support you the transition period as we know this can be both challenging and an emotional time. Together, we can develop a transition passport which will help ensure that there is a smooth transition for you and your child. We work closely with other agencies in the community.
What arrangements are in place to ensure that Bury Library Children’s Centres is accessible for children and families with special educational needs and/or disability?
Our Centres are DDA compliant and fully accessible from all entrances and exits.
There are some disabled parking spaces at the back of the building. Within the Centre we have accessible toilets with baby change facilities. We have non-slip flooring and carpeted area.
The furniture is entirely moveable and adaptable allowing us the flexibility of creating and moving spaces if required. Resources and equipment are displayed at child-height, and are fully accessible, allowing children to make independent choices about their play.
What training or experience do staff supporting children and young people with SEND have?
The Centre is an inclusive setting with staff experienced and trained in early years care and education. Staff Training undertaken includes:
Who can I contact for further information?
Vanessa Smith – Health & Children’s Centre Manager
