Family Centre Services

 

Additional government funding had been issued to create the Family Centre Services team based at the Old Bruce Hostel, Lerwick. This brings together the Pre-school Home Visiting Service, the Daycare Officer (Children), the Childcare Partnership Coordinator, the Family Centre Services Coordinator and three playworkers. This team aims to offer family support services throughout Shetland on an outreach basis by offering parent support groups, a creche, play opportunities, use of the mobile Play Van and individual input to more vulnerable families and children.

The Day Care Officer is responsible for the registering and inspection of child minders, playgroups, out of school clubs and private nurseries.

For information on childcare provision in Shetland contact:

Anita Gaffney or Rowena Samuel - Childcare Development Officers: 01595 697411

The Childcare Partnership's Coordinator is based there. The Partnership is the means by which representatives from the statutory and voluntary services coordinate, develop and publicise local childcare services in Shetland.

The Family Centre Services Coordinator is responsible for the day to day running of the service and helps to develop parent support groups, links with a wide range of other community groups, and other people working with children and families.

There are facilities for group or individual work plus a playroom with resources for children from 0-12 years of age. They can offer advice and leaflets on general childcare issues such as finding the best quality childcare and help with making choices. They also keep details of all childcare associated contacts and telephone numbers in the Shetland area, including playgroups, child minders and nurseries.

For more information on this project, please contact:

Sandra Gray - Family Services Coordinator

Old Bruce Hostel

Lovers Loan

Lerwick

01595 697460

or visit the website at www.childcarelink.gov.uk