Bracknell

Bracknell Forest councillors joined children and their families last week to mark the beginning of the building work to develop the Oaks Children's Centre.

Councillors Alan Ward and Gareth Barnard visited the Bracknell site in Great Hollands where work has just started to create the centre which will be a venue for professionals and children.

Health visitors, midwives and speech and language therapists will be able to use the new centre which forms part of the Council's is committed to developing six children's centres within Bracknell Forest by March 2008.

The Oaks will have a family room and kitchen where families can attend a range of activities including Stay and Play, Young Parents, Breastfeeding Café, Well Baby Clinic, Family Information Services as well as support for parents and carers in their own homes.

To make sure the right facilities are provided, parents, carers and professionals were asked what they wanted from a Bracknell children's centre and this consultation will continue.

The Oaks is based at Great Hollands School and will support children under five and their families from Great Hollands, Wooden Hill, Hanworth and Birch Hill.

The first Children's Centre in the borough, the Rowans will open during the autumn term.

Sandra Woodward, Children's Centre Manager said: "The Oaks will be a great place for children and their parents living within the area.

"It is in a central location and it will be welcoming and friendly. Parents and children will be able to access a range of activities and services that will be held in the new building and we will also continue to use other community buildings in the area.

"I am looking forward to seeing the building finished at the end of the year when we will be able to move in. I'd also love to hear from any mums or dads who have any views or ideas on the borough's children's centres!"

Cllr Gareth Barnard, Executive Member for Bracknell Children's Services, added: "The Oaks will also ensure that educational, health and voluntary sector professionals can work together to create the best possible care, support and education for the children within Bracknell Forest."

Cllr Alan Ward, Executive Member for Education and Libraries, said: "The Council is committed to developing children's centres and I believe the Oaks will be a fantastic place for children to learn and develop in.

"The Oaks will also be a major benefit to the community as it will mean parents living in the area can use the family facilities to get all the help and advice they need under one roof."

Bracknell Forest Borough Council