Families in Mitcham now have access to a variety of family and child support services at the new Ivy Gardens Children’s Centre, at Garden Primary School.

The Mayor of Merton, Councillor Martin Whelton, officially opened the centre last month and was joined by local families and community professionals who had the chance to find out about the services on offer at the new centre.

Children up to the age of 12 made the most of a variety of play and musical activities and also had an opportunity to test their football skills with the inflatable goals provided by Fulham Community Sports Trust.

Commissioned children centre services were also at hand during the opening to provide a variety of information and advice to families who attended. These services included the Pre-School Learning Alliance, South London Tamil Family Welfare Group, Commonside Developmental Trust and Homestart.

Councillor David Williams, Leader of Merton Council said: “We’re committed to ensuring young children and families get the best possible start and the support they need to enable them to reach their full potential in life. This new children’s centre – one of eight the council is developing throughout the borough – will bring significant benefits to the local community in Mitcham.”

The centre will provide a wide range of activities and services for families including fun play sessions, advice and information on employment, training and childcare, family support, including access to family health services.

From 2009, Ivy Gardens Children’s Centre will also be providing courses from Merton Adult Education to parents along with a varied range of services from health professionals.

For more information about the Ivy Gardens Children’s Centre and the services that are on offer, please contact Sophia Cope on 07946 172315 or Janice Alphonso on 0208 765 0276.

Notes to editors:
Eight new children’s centres are currently being developed throughout Merton. Ivy Gardens Children’s Centre is the third to open so far leaving more centres to open in 2009.

A range of Children’s Centre services are being delivered across the borough. To find out more about Children’s Centre development in your area please call 020 8545 3800.

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