Issue - meetings

An update was presented by Belinda Evans (BE) from the council who outlined that the intention of the service is to create seamless integrated services for children and families and to create community services that are not limited to just buildings but that engage and support residents across the area. It was noted that the service also works in partnership with other agencies including the Citizen’s Advice Bureau.

Currently there are three children’s centres in the area covered by the Area Assembly and discussions are underway to make use of facilities at the Muswell Hill Methodist Church. A Family Information Support Directory is available online on the Council website.

In response to questions BE stated that they have a good relationship with the Primary Care Trust and that if check-ups were being targeted as opposed to being universal this may be because of a shortage in the number of health visitors. BE will look into this and report back. It was also explained that a number of services are available including advice, universal drop-in provision, information on breastfeeding, baby weighing, ‘stay and play’, child care and nursery provision; provision is targeted to local communities and therefore varies from centre to centre. These services are open to parents with children between the ages of 0-5 and a booklet outlining provision is available for each centre. It was also explained that work on facilities at Coldfall Primary School and the relationship with the Children’s centre over the border in Barnet were progressing well.