Children and family centres

Our children centres are tailored to meet the needs of Southwark's children and families, including:

• stay and play sessions, providing a welcoming space for children to learn and play
• parenting support as part of our family Early Help parenting strategy
• one-to-one support for those with complex needs (accessible by Early Help referral) 
• preparing children for education initiatives, such as Bookstart and the Dolly Parton Imagination Library
• health and life improvement support in collaboration with health services and other partners, to improve family wellbeing
• access to specialist support for targeted services and SEND sessions, ensuring every child and family gets the support they need

At many children centres you can:

• see a dentist, dietician or physiotherapist
• visit the stop smoking clinic
• get faster access to expert advice, support and short-term breaks if your child has learning difficulties or disabilities
• talk to Citizens Advice
• take parenting classes
• improve your English, if it's not your first language, with someone from your own culture

Some centres offer childcare and early learning. Those that do not offer childcare can advise on local childcare options.