Published: Thursday, 30th October, 2008 10:19am

Fun and games at children's centre

by Rose Harland

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Coley Park Children's Centre staff Jodie Folley, Sandra Matthew and manager Anne Cheeseman.
Pic by: Rose Harland

COLEY Park Children's Centre is alive and kicking seven months since the official unveiling of its new look.

The centre, attached to St Mary's and All Saints school in Wensley Road, is now attracting an average of 15 to 20 families at its drop-in sessions.

Centre manager Anne Cheeseman said: "It can be quite lively but it's good. There's a nice atmosphere.

"The children get to try out lots of different resources and play activities. They can play and have fun with their parents and the parents get the opportunity to meet other parents, share experiences, get information and advice and access to other services."

The centre is run by charity Parents and Children Together (Pact), supported by the Church of England's Oxford diocese, with St Mary's and All Saints Primary School.

It was refurbished and expanded last summer thanks to grants from the government's Sure Start initiative through Reading Borough Council. It has also received much support from Reading FC's Royal Families charity collection group.

The centre hopes to start a regular drop-in for young parents next month and a paediatric first aid course after Christmas.

Mrs Cheeseman said: "There are still families out there who don't know about the children's centre and what it has got to offer. We are keen that it's a place all families can come to and get information and enjoy being together as a family."

What's on at the centre:

Family support drop-in sessions, with play for children and a chance for parents to speak to support worker Linda Payne, Mondays 1-3pm.

Childminders' drop-in session, Tuesdays 9-11am.

Breastfeeding support group for mums and mums-to-be with expert advisers, Tuesdays 11.15am-12.45pm.

Drop-in for children aged up to five and their carers, Wednesdays 1-3pm and Thursdays 9.15-11.15am.

Child health clinic with advice from health visitors, Thursday 9.30-11am

The next dad and children's drop-in, for children aged up to five (and older siblings), will be on Saturday, November 1, 10am-12pm.

All sessions are free but donations are welcome to help with refreshments. Qualified early years workers interested in volunteering can contact Anne Cheeseman at the centre on 0118 939 4859.