PARENTS and tots in Pinehurst are settling into the new Sure Start Children’s Centre.

Mums and dads got stuck into a giant mural for the centre on Saturday as their children played in a wendy house. They also had their faces painted and scoffed hot dogs and burgers.

The Sure Start Children’s Centre in Linden Avenue offers a one-stop shop of services for all families with children under the age of five living in Pinehurst.

It is a Government funded programme which aims to bring together local services for families which are accessible, flexible and meet the needs of children and parents.

The Government’s aim is for every child, whatever their background or their circumstances, to have the support they need.

There are 800 families currently on its books, and they make regular trips to the centre for child health check-ups, fun and games, speech therapy and parental support.

Dawn Johnson, volunteer co-ordinator for the centre, said: “The open day was a huge success and gave parents and children the chance to see the new centre and enjoy each other’s company on a rare day of sunshine.

“We like to think we provide an invaluable service here, helping parents who may be struggling or who could just do with some support.

“We aren’t solely about the children – it’s about helping families as a unit.”

Although a children’s centre, staff are keen to help parents get back on track with education or work if that is the aim.

As well as providing a monthly paediatrician drop-in service at the centre, staff also help parents who want to get back into education or work.

“We have a few parent volunteers who work out of the centre and if they make a success of it, they can go on to gain an NVQ qualification to work with children,” said Dawn.

The Sure Start Children’s Centre is open on Monday to Friday from 9am to 4pm. To contact the centre call 01793 514492 or fax 01793 695305.