Children's centres

On this page you will find information on:

1. Vision

2. Core purpose

3. Video interaction guidance (VIG)

4. List of children's centres

5. How to contact the Family Information Service

Vision

The vision of the Tower Hamlets children’s centre service is to give every child in Tower Hamlets has the best possible start in life through reducing inequality and improving outcomes. The centres' provide opportunities for children and their families to be safe, healthy and happy so that they are able to reach their full potential in life. 

"Our East End" is the council's quarterly magazine and is delivered, free of charge, to more than 120,000 homes and businesses. The magazine showcased a "children take centre stage" article on Children's Centres within the Tower Hamlets Borough. The article can be found on pages 14 to 16 on issue two which was published in September 2016. 

Copies of the magazine are also available in all Tower Hamlets based libraries, One Stop Shops and Idea Stores, while an online version of the magazine is also available for all residents to access.

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Core purpose

The core purpose of Tower Hamlets children’s centre service is to improve outcomes for all young children and their families, as well as reduce inequalities between the most disadvantaged children and others through early intervention and holistic support. This is guided by the Sure Start children’s centres statutory guidance and will be achieved through the following targets:

1. Child development and school readiness, which will enable children to become confident and curious learners by providing early learning opportunities:

   • Through universal and targeted stay and play sessions.
   • Providing support to access free child care entitlements.
   • Working in partnership with schools and other providers.

2. Raising aspirations and improving parenting skills, which will support parents to give their child the best possible start to life by providing:

   • Family support.
   • Evidence-based parenting programmes.
   • Specialist programmes and targeted services for parents.
   • Reducing inequalities through supporting parents to improve economic wellbeing.

3. Reducing health inequalities by improving health and life chances and ensuring that children are safeguarded by supporting parents to access:

   • A range of health services.
   • Family support.
   • Advice and support on public health outcomes.
   • Partnership with the community and stakeholders.

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Video interaction guidance (VIG)

Video interaction guidance (VIG) is offered through all the children’s centres within Tower Hamlets. It can help improve relationships and communication between parents/carers and their children by taking video footage of interactions and looking for the times when things are working well and then thinking about what is making it so successful.

If you want to know more, please speak to one of the Family Support team at your local centre. You can also find out more at www.videointeractionguidance.net.

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List of children's centres

For more information about activities and other services available at each centre, please refer to the centre of your choice using the informatin found below:

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Family Information Service

Tower Hamlets Family Information Service (FIS) provides free and impartial, information and advice on childcare as well as general information on a wide range of services for children, young people, parents and families.

The service runs a telephone helpline and drop-in service on Monday to Friday between 9am and 5pm. For more information you can get in touch by contacting the FIS on 020 7364 6495 or by email at fis@towerhamlets.gov.uk

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