New play centre is a 'home from home'

By Lorrayne Johnson 

26 July 2010

The purpose-built £1.5 million Mowlem Children’s Centre in Mowlem Street is the 23rd to open in the borough and part of a growing network providing high quality, accessible support services for children and their families.

Parents and carers had an opportunity to see the new facilities in Bethnal Green and meet the staff at the opening while their children took part in face painting, arts and crafts, singing and gardening.

Bethnal Green resident Saraya Brotto, 35, who was at the opening with her six-month-old daughter, Laura, was involved in the early discussions about what the new centre should look like, and the facilities it should offer.

She said: “I am a single mum and that can be quite difficult. I knew that I wanted to make sure my baby developed the best way she could. I knew I was going to be using it, so I wanted to make sure that I had a say on the kinds of things the centre should have.

“It is such a good thing for the community. I would say to other local parents, why not join in? For me, it’s like a home from home. In fact, it’s my second home!”

Before the centre opened, services for local children and families were delivered from Mowlem Primary School. The new centre will continue to have strong links with the school and will be managed by its head teacher.

Now based next door, the purpose-built building has sustainable features including a ground source heat pump and ‘green’ roofs.

Mowlem Children’s Centre works with a range of partners including the Mission Practice Health Centre, Childminder’s Network, Jobcentre Plus and Skillsmatch to offer a wide range of services for children under five years old and their families.

These include 50 daycare places, family support, child and family health services, and links to Jobcentre Plus.

Lead councillor for children, schools and families Shiria Khatun said: “The new Mowlem Children’s Centre is a fantastic building and will provide first class services to the local community as well as give Tower Hamlets children a great start in life.

“Hundreds of families are already benefiting from the 23 children’s centres we have across the borough. I would urge parents who are not already involved in their local children’s centre to find out more so that their children can also benefit from the excellent services on offer.”