Today, Norwood’s Kennedy Leigh Children & Family Centre and the London Jewish Family Centre became the 14th Sure Start Children’s Centre and the first Jewish organisations in Barnet to receive this designation in the London Borough of Barnet. This recognises the expertise and services provided by the voluntary agencies, in helping children and young people lead healthy, safe and fulfilling lives.
The designation was awarded by Barnet Council and the Government agency, Together for Children at a ceremony held at Norwood’s Kennedy Leigh Children & Family Centre in Hendon.
Norwood Chief Executive, Norma Brier welcomed guests and the children who use Norwood's Centre helped The Mayor with the unveiling of a plaque and presented flowers to The Mayoress, Mrs Gladys Coleman.
His Worshipful The Mayor, Councillor Brian Coleman said, “Norwood is pushing the barriers of voluntary work, moving into areas that aren’t always fashionable. I’m delighted that Barnet Council has a close relationship with Norwood and congratulate them and wish the new Children’s Centre a long and flourishing future.”
Councillor Fiona Bulmer who leads on children’s services in the council told guests, “Working in partnership in this way is something I’m really proud of and it’s a wonderful model that we want to continue. Everyday both Centres are busy as they know and understand the particular needs of the local community. I would like to pay tribute to your expertise, both in the Jewish and in the wider community and I look forward to continuing to work with all the organisations here and together I know we can make a real difference to the children and families in the Community.”
Norma Brier, Chief Executive said, “Our new partnerships and collaboration will allow us to develop these early year’s children’s services and reach out even more effectively to the local community helping children and young people lead healthy, safe and fulfilling lives.”
The Sure Start Children’s Centre designation enables the development of new services. A new Family Support Worker and Outreach workers within our Family Support Service, will work with children and families in their homes and encourage them to use the Centres.
A ‘Fun for Babies’ programme enhances bonding between mothers and babies in a lively environment with physical play and music. Parenting groups are linking in with Barnet Council’s Parenting Strategy and increased health services and baby clinics are being developed on both sites. Citizen’s Advice Bureau sessions have begun at Kennedy Leigh Centre every other week, and the demand for this is growing. We are also working with Barnet College to provide training at the London Jewish Family Centre to train childminders, providing increased services to local parents.
Local community groups are also able to use the accessible facilities at Kennedy Leigh Centre so that Barnet can deliver specialist services. Norwood’s focus on disability and special needs has enabled the organisation to develop a leading role in the voluntary sector piloting specialist projects, for example, offering art therapy to young children with immune deficiency. All these early year’s services will be steered by the Children Centre Advisory Board, chaired by Ruth Fasht who is also a member of the Norwood Council.
For more information about The Kennedy Leigh Children’s Centre please contact Hilary Rosen on 020 8457 4745 and email kennedyleigh@norwood.org.uk
For more information about The London Jewish Family Centre contact or call 020 8209 1117 or info@LJFC.com
