Cheers for ten years of Lofthouse Children’s Centre

Celebrations were in full swing yesterday at Lofthouse Children’s Centre as councillors, staff, volunteers and service users marked a decade since the Centre opened its doors.

Past and present families and colleagues attended the party and celebrated in style, with games and activities for children including a large sand play, hook-a-duck, face painting and glitter tattoos. Afternoon tea was also served.

The children’s centre supports families in the local area by providing them with a range of services. These include family support, child development, play & learning, parent’s courses, breastfeeding support, information regarding health and well-being and strong links with NHS services both before and after a baby is born.

The centre is managed by Leeds City Council and is situated in the grounds of Rodillian Academy. It was built alongside the school as part of the Building Schools for the Future programme back in 2008.

The centre works in partnership with Daisy Chain childcare who provide childcare for 0-5 year olds, and the two celebrated the anniversary together.

The past decade has seen the centre receive recognition for its work with volunteers, two of whom were recipients of Child Friendly Leeds Awards in 2017 for their work with the centre.

Councillor Lisa Mulherin, Leeds City Council’s Executive Member for Children and Families and Chair of the centre’s Advisory Board, said:

“Lofthouse Children’s Centre has made a positive difference to the lives of many families over the past decade in our local area and I am really proud to have been a part of it from the start. In Leeds we have maintained our investment in children’s centres to ensure all children and families are supported to get the best start in life. I am thrilled to be able to join the party and celebrate ten years since the centre opened its doors. It’s been a great celebration and has been wonderful to be surrounded by so many people whose lives the centre has touched. I’m looking forward to seeing what we can do in another decade.”

Michael Blakeley, who attends the centre with his family, said:

“Lofthouse Children's Centre is a fantastic place and has been instrumental in the development of my 2-year-old daughter, Elizabeth. I attended the centre with my wife Sarah, when our daughter was just weeks old and we were instantly greeted with warmth. Elizabeth has a fondness for messy play, which is largely due to the centre’s epic sessions involving paint, water, and anything else which would strain any washing machine. The centre provided fantastic support to all three of us which I am truly grateful for. I really hope Lofthouse Children's Centre is around for many years to come.”

Ends

Becky Stubbs, Leeds City Council press office

rebecca.stubbs@leeds.gov.uk

0113 3786199