About the Children's Centres

Our Children’s Centres aim to improve outcomes for young children, ensuring they are happy, healthy and ready to begin school.

The Centres also provide help and support to families around parenting, health and well-being and employability. The services they provide are designed for parents and carers who may be expecting a new baby or have a child under the age of five.

Centres offer a range of services, including:

  • pre-school education and access to early education and childcare (on some sites)
  • access to health services, including health visiting and midwifery care
  • adult learning opportunities to help parents/carers progress into training or employment
  • access to play opportunities that are available to everyone, such as Stay and Play
  • access to services delivered by private providers that are available to everyone with small fees attached

In Bexley, you can access Children’s Centre services from one of our Children’s Centres and also from venues across the borough, including libraries, leisure centres and community buildings. This means that families have more choice and can access services nearer to their homes.

Our centres welcome all Bexley families who are expecting a baby or who have a child under five.

Our main centres are open Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm with some timetabled sessions on a Saturday.

We have a dedicated Children's Centre Team who are available to support you in accessing services and information. They will also deliver sessions across the borough together with some of our partners.

Bexley Children's Centres Membership

Membership

If you would like to receive regular information and access children’s centre services, pop into your nearest centre to complete a membership form or complete it online.

Children Centres membership form

Virtual advice, guidance and support

If you need to speak to one of our Children’s Centre Team, contact us by telephone at 020 3045 5480 or by email childrenscentres@bexley.gov.uk with your contact details to request a call.

One-to-one support for families is also available by calling Family Wellbeing Service on 020 3045 5440 or by emailing us at familywellbeing@Bexley.gov.uk.

Bexley Children's Centre activities

Activities on Monday

Bexley Children's Centre activities - Monday
Venue Activity Dates Times Booking Details
Northumberland Heath CC, 141 Brook Street, DA8 1JD BCG Clinic Ongoing 9am to 4pm Appointment only contact your Health Visitor or email HRCH.BCG@nhs.net
West Street CC, Chandlers Drive, Erith, DA8 1LW Child development appointments - Health Visiting Team Ongoing 9am to 4pm Appointment only - Contact 0300 330 5777 to make appointment with Health Visitor
Danson CC, Brampton Road, Bexleyheath, DA7 4EZ QE - Midwifery appointments Ongoing 8.30am to 5.30pm Appointment only - made by your midwifery team
Northend CC, Lincoln Close, DA8 2EB DVH Midwifery appointments Ongoing 9am to 5pm Appointments via your Midwifery Team contact 01322 428754
North Cray Neighbourhood Centre, 1 Davis Way, DA14 5JR Clinics for parents to weigh their baby and speak to Health Visitor Ongoing 9.30am to 11.30am Drop in

Activities on Tuesday

Bexley Children's Centre activities - Tuesday
Venue Activity Dates Times Booking details
Northend CC, Lincoln Close, DA8 2EB DVH Midwifery Clinic Ongoing 9am to 5pm Appointments Only
Northumberland Heath CC, 141 Brook Street, Erith, DA8 1JD Bouncing Babies Parent & Baby Group for new parents with babies 0 to 12 mths Ongoing 2pm to 3.30pm Sessions are free - no need to book just come along
Danson CC, Brampton Road, Bexleyheath, DA7 4EZ Development reviews Ongoing 9am to 5pm Appoinments via your HV
Danson CC, Brampton Road, Bexleyheath, DA7 4EZ Midwifery appointments Ongoing 9am to 4.30pm Appointments Only
The Nest Community Building & Library, Cygnet Square, Thamesmead, SE2 9FA Drop in information mornings. Practitioners on hand to talk about any parenting concerns 25/07
01/08
08/08 
15/08
22/08
10am to 12 noon Drop in
Northumberland Heath CC, 141 Brook Street, DA8 1JD DVH Midwifery Clinic Ongoing 9am to 5pm Appointments Only

Activities on Wednesday

Bexley Children's Centre activities - Wednesday
Venue Activity Date Time Booking details
Church of the Cross, Lensbury Way, Thamesmead, SE2 9UE Physical Play children 0 to 3 years (Siblings under 5 also welcome) 26/07 10am to 11.30am Free session no need to book
West Street CC, 174 Chandlers Drive, DA8 1LW Arts & Crafts for babies 0 to 3 years (Older siblings up to 5 years welcome) 02/08 2pm to 3.30pm Session is £1 for children over 1 year. No need to book
Church of the Cross, Lensbury Way, Thamesmead, SE2 9UE Summer Play for babies and children 0 to 3 years (older siblings up to 5 years welcome) 09/08 10am to 11.30am Session is free. No need to book just come along
West Street CC, 174 Chandlers Drive, DA8 1LW Information morning - come along and meet the team and other services 16/08 10am to 12 midday Session is free. No need to book just come along
Northumberland Heath CC, 141 Brook Street, DA1 1JD Seaside theme fun for babies 0 to 3 years (older siblings up to 5 years welcome) 23/08 10.30am to 12 midday Session is £1 for children over 1 year - limited places so please call the centre on 020 3045 5480 to book a place
Northumberland Heath CC, 141 Brook Street, DA1 1JD Speech & Language Group Ongoing 9am to 4pm By invitation only
Danson CC, Brampton Road, Bexleyheath, DA7 4EZ QE Midwifery Clinic Ongoing 9am to 5pm Appointments via your midwifery team
Danson CC, Brampton Road, Bexleyheath, DA7 4EZ Child Development Appointments - Health Visiting Team Ongoing 9am to 5pm Appointment only
Northend CC, Lincoln Close, DA8 2EB DVH Midwifery Clinic Ongoing 9am to 5pm Appointments via your midwifery team
Northumberland Heath CC, 141 Brook Street, DA1 1JD DVH Midwifery Clinic Ongoing 9am to 5pm Appointments via your midwifery team

Activities on Thursday

Bexley Children's Centre activities - Thursday
Venue Activity Dates Time Booking details
Northend CC, Lincoln Close, DA8 2EB Child Development Appointments - Health Visiting Team Ongoing 9am to 4pm By appointment only via your Health Visitor
West Street CC, 174 Chandlers Drive, DA8 1LW Infant feeding support Ongoing 1pm to 5pm By appointment only via your Health Visitor Telephone 0300 3305777 option 1
West Street CC, 174 Chandlers Drive, DA8 1LW Perinatal counselling Ongoing 10am to 3pm By referral only
Danson CC, Brampton Road, Bexleyheath, DA7 4EZ Child Development Appointments – Health Visiting Team Ongoing 9am to 4pm By appointment only via your Health Visitor
Howbury & SG community Centre, Chrome Road, Slade Green, DA8 2EL Well baby clinic Ongoing 1.30pm to 3.30pm Drop in - no need to book
The Nest Community Building and Library, Cygnet Square, Thamesmead, SE2 9FA Interactive Stories & Songs for babies 0 to 3 years 27/07
03/08
10/08
17/08
24/08
10.30am to 11.30am Older siblings up to 5 years welcome

Activities on Friday

Bexley Children's Centre activities - Friday
Venue Activity Dates Time Booking details
West Street CC, Chandlers Drive, Erith, DA8 1LW Bouncing Babies Parent & Baby Group - For new parents with babies 0 to 12 mths 28/07
04/08
11/08
18/08
25/08
10am to 11.30am Sessions are free - no need to book just come along and join us
Northumberland Heath CC, 141 Brook Street, DA8 1JD Speech & Language Group Ongoing 9am to 5pm By invitation only
Northend CC, Lincoln Close, DA8 2EB DVH Midwifery Clinics Ongoing 9am to 5pm Appointment via your midwifery team
Northumberland Heath CC, 141 Brook Street, DA8 1JD DVH Midwifery Clinics Ongoing 9am to 5pm Appointment via your midwifery team
Danson CC, Brampton Road, Bexleyheath, DA7 4EZ Child Development Appointments - Health Visiting Team Ongoing 9am to 4pm By appointment via your Health Visitor
Danson CC, Brampton Road, Bexleyheath, DA7 4EZ Midwifery Appointments Ongoing 9am to 4.30pm By appointment via your Health Visitor

Children's Centre sites

West Street Children’s Centre

Open 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday (Saturdays as advertised)

The Children’s Centre Team are based at:

174 Chandlers Drive
Erith
DA8 1LW
Map

Services on site:

  • antenatal and postnatal appointments
  • Health Visiting Developmental checks and drop-ins (see the timetable for information)
  • Children’s Centre services include parent and baby groups, parenting and much more

Danson Children's Centre

Open 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday (Saturdays as advertised)

Brampton Road
Bexleyheath
DA7 4EZ
Map

Services on site:

  • antenatal and postnatal appointments
  • Health Visiting Developmental checks and drop-ins (see the timetable for information)
  • Children’s Centre services include parent and baby groups, parenting and much more
  • SALT (Speech and Language appointments)
  • other services including Smoking Cessation and Solace (see the timetable for more information)

Normandy Children's Centre

Normandy Children's Centre activities
Day Dates Times Activity Booking Details
Monday First Monday of every month 1pm to 2.30pm Little Listeners (Bexley Hearing Advice & Support Team) Structured activities to encourage good listening and language Referred families only - booked via Bexley Hearing & Advice Support on 020 3045 5060
Tuesday Every Tuesday - Term Time Only 9.30am to 11.30am Portage - funtime for children with special needs aged 0 to 3 years Referred families only - no session booking required. Contact the Portage team on 020 3045 4361 for details
Thursday Call for session dates. Telephone 01322 334192 10.15am to 11.15am Sensory Play for babies and children with special needs Calm session of activities, play, relaxation, singing and signing £7.50 per block booking - must be booked and paid for in advance - contact Bexley SNAP
Thursday Every Thursday - Term time Only 10am to 11am and 11.30am to 12.30pm Early Years for children aged 1 to 5 years with special needs. Art, craft, messy, sensory and outdoor play £1.50 per session (advance booking required) - must be paid in advance, contact Bexley SNAP
Friday Every Friday - Term time Only 10am to 11am and 11.30am to 12.30pm Early Years for children aged 1 to 5 years with special needs. Art, craft, messy, sensory and outdoor play £1.50 per session (advance booking required) - must be paid in advance, contact Bexley SNAP

North Cray Children's Centre

Open 9 to 5pm, Monday to Friday (see the timetable for CC sessions)

North Cray Neighbourhood Centre
Bedens Road
Sidcup
DA14 5JQ
Map

Northumberland Heath Children’s Centre

Open 9 to 5pm, Monday to Friday (Saturdays as advertised)

141 Brook Street
Erith
DA8 1JD
Map

Services on site:

  • antenatal and postnatal appointments
  • Health Visiting Developmental checks and drop-ins (see the timetable for information)
  • Children’s Centre services include parent and baby groups, parenting and much more

Bexley Community Activities

Monday - Friday

Bexley Community activities - Monday to Friday
Day Venue Activity Dates Times Booking details
Monday Bostall woods Summer Forest Fun Stay & Play 24 July
8 August
10am and 1pm Kirsty.meekings@ME.COM or book via Happity
£6 per child
Monday Danson Park Event in Danson Park 24 July 1pm to 4.30pm For more information SPARK in the Park
Monday Belvedere community centre, DA17 6AA Safari Adventure 21 July 10am to 12 midday Can you help the ranger find the escaped animals?
£2.50 each child lunch included
Email office@belvedere.org.uk to book
Monday Danson Youth Trust Centre, Brampton Road, Bexleyheath DA7 4EZ Baby & Toddler Groups Various sessions 9.30am to 3pm For more details/programme contact Danson Youth and Children Centre on 020 8303 6052 or email u5dansonyc@btconnect.com
Monday Sidcup Place Lark in the Park 31 July 11am till evening For more information, visit Lark in the Park
Tuesday Danson Park Event in Danson Park 25 July 1pm to 4.30pm For more information SPARK in the Park
Tuesday Blackfen Library Interactive Story Time for the under 5’s 8 August 2pm to 2.30pm Book via Eventbrite
£1 per child
Tuesday Albany Park Baptist Church, DA5 3JB Baby Signing and Toddler Talking 25 July 10am to 11am Toddlers (18 months to 4 Years)
11.15am to 12.15 Babies (birth to 18 months)
For more details and booking contact nicolahunt@tinytalk.co.uk
£8 per child
Siblings welcome at no extra cost
Tuesday Belvedere community centre, DA17 6AA Summer fair 8 August 11am to 3pm Bouncy Castle & Soft Play, Petting Zoo, etc.
Wednesday Danson Park Event in Danson Park 26 July 1pm to 4.30pm For more information SPARK in the Park
Wednesday Belvedere community centre, DA17 6AA Teddy Bear’s Picnic 2 August 11am to 12.30pm Bring along your favourite Teddy or soft toy for a picnic lunch, story time and sing along
£2 per child
Wednesday Crayford Library, 176 Townhall Square, Dartford, DA1 4FN Bexley Eco- Library Tour (Part of Bexley Eco Festival) 16 August 10am to 12 midday Free event, book via Eventbrite, compost talk, real nappies, kids activities and toy swap, light refreshments provided
Thursday Bostall Woods Summer Forest Fun Stay & Play 27 July
3, 10 and 31 August
10am and 1pm Light refreshments supplied
Thursday Danson Park Event in Danson Park 27 July 1pm to 4.30pm For more information SPARK in the Park
Thursday Sidcup Place Lark in the Park (Teddy bears Picnic) 27 July 11am to 12 midday For more information, visit Lark in the Park
Thursday St Augustine’s Church, Slade Green Road, Slade Green, DA8 2HX Summer Church with Stay & Play, crafts, toys, singing & praise 27 July
3, 10,17 and 24 August
9.30am to 11am Toast and cereal breakfast provided for children of primary age and under
Free sessions - donations gratefully accepted
No need to book just come along
Contact Jacki 07840 201817
Friday Danson Park Event in Danson Park 28 July 1pm to 4.30pm For more information SPARK in the Park
Friday Sidcup Place Lark in the Park 28 July 11am till evening For more information, visit Lark in the Park
Friday St Andrews Church, Bexleyheath, DA7 5SF Baby Signing and Toddler Talking 28 July
4 August
10am to 11am
Toddlers
11.15am to 12.15pm
Birth to 18 months
For more details and booking contact nicolahunt@tinytalk.co.uk
£8.00 per child
Siblings welcome at no extra cost
Saturday St Andrews Church, Bexleyheath, DA7 5SF Teddy Bears Picnic 5 August 10am to 11am For more details and booking contact nicolahunt@tinytalk.co.uk
£8.00 per child
Siblings welcome at no extra cost

Other venues delivering Children's Centre activities

Play opportunities and parent and toddler groups are available from venues across the Borough delivered by a mixture of faith groups, private and voluntary sector groups and some charities.

If you are a provider and would like to advertise your services on our web page, then please contact the Children's Centre Team at childrenscentres@bexley.gov.uk

Children’s Centre staff will be available at: (please see the timetable for details)

Church of the Cross
Lensbury Way
Thamesmead
London SE2 9UE
Map

Belvedere Community Centre
Mitchell Close
Belvedere
DA17 6AA
Map

Emmanuel Church
St Catherines Road
Off Yarnton Way
DA18 4DS
Map

Upper Belvedere Community Library
Woolwich Road
Upper Belvedere
DA17 5EQ
Map

North Heath Community Library
Mill Road
Erith
DA8 1HW
Map

Thamesmead Library
Binsey Walk
Thamesmead
SE2 9TR
Map

Christchurch Hall
Victoria Road
Erith
DA8 3AN
Map

Danson Youth Trust
Danson Youth Centre
Brampton Road
Bexleyheath
DA7 4EZ

Email dansonyc@btconnect.com
Telephone 020 8303 6052

Danson Youth Trust website
Map

Erith Library
100 Erith High Street
Erith
DA8 1SL
Map

Erith Leisure Centre
Avenue Road
Erith
DA8 3AT
Map

Howbury and Slade Green Community Centre
Chrome Road
Slade Green
DA8 2EL
Map

Support for families with disabled children and children with special needs aged 1 to 5 years

Bexley SNAP

Bexley Snap offer disabled children and young people an exciting and varied programme of clubs to provide parents and carers support, guidance, and regular breaks from their caring responsibilities.

Bexley SNAP
Normandy SEND Hub
Fairford Avenue
Barnehurst
DA7 6QP
Map

Email admin@bexleysnap.org.uk
Telephone 01322 334192
Website www.bexleysnap.org.uk
Facebook

Bexley SNAP monthly activities

Normandy SEND Hub - activities for children 0 to 5 years with special needs
Day Dates Times Activity Booking Details
Monday First Monday of every month 1pm to 2.30pm Little Listeners (Bexley Hearing Advice & Support Team) Structured activities to encourage good listening and language Referred families only - booked via Bexley Hearing & Advice Support on 0203 045 5060
Tuesday Every Tuesday - term time Only 9.30 to 11.30am Portage - funtime for children with special needs aged 0 to 3 years Referred families only - no session booking required. Contact the Portage team on 0203 045 4361 for details
Thursday Call for session dates. Tel: 01322 334192 10.15am to 11.15am Sensory Play For babies & children with special needs Calm session of activities, play, relaxation, singing and signing. £7.50 per block booking - must be booked and paid for in advance - contact Bexley SNAP
Thursday Every Thursday - term time Only 10am to 11am and 11.30am to 12.30pm Early Years for children aged 1 to 5 years with special needs. Art, craft, messy, sensory and outdoor play £1.50 per session (advance booking required) - must be paid in advance, contact Bexley SNAP
Friday Every Friday - term time only 10am to 11am and 11.30am to 12.30pm Early Years for children aged 1 to 5 years with special needs. Art, craft, messy, sensory and outdoor play £1.50 per session (advance booking required) - must be paid in advance, contact Bexley SNAP

Support for parents

Solace

Solace Women's Aid website

Solace provide vital domestic abuse services in the borough.

Bexley Citizens Advice Bureau

Bexley CAB website

Bexley CAB provides free independent, confidential and impartial advice to all residents in the borough on their rights and responsibilities.

Bexley SNAP  

Bexley SNAP website

Bexley Snap offer disabled children and young people aged between 1 year to 25 years an exciting and varied programme of clubs to provide parents and carers support, guidance, and regular breaks from their caring responsibilities. 

Bexley Voice

Bexley Voice website

Bexley Voice is a voluntary organisation of parents and carers of children and young people (age 0 to 25) with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) living in the London Borough of Bexley.

They provide an opportunity for parents and carers to express their views and input into the planning and delivery of SEND services.

Netmums 

Netmums website

Parenting website offering local information, expert parenting advice, chat, competitions, recipes and friendly support.

Get involved

Parents Forum

Are you an expectant parent/carer or have a child under the age of 5 living in Bexley?

Would you like to contribute to support Children’s Centres in Bexley?

We are looking to gather information and feedback from users of Children’s Centre services. We will do this through our new Parents Forum. 

Meetings are informal and run four times a year usually alongside a children’s centre activity. It’s a great opportunity to meet other parents/carers have a cup of tea and a chat and contribute to the ongoing service delivery within our Children’s Centres.

If you would like to be part of the Parents Forum please discuss with a member of the Children's Centre Team or contact us on childrenscentres@bexley.go.uk or telephone 020 3045 5480.

Related information

Children’s Public Health

Children, young people and families

Bromley Healthcare delivers the 0 to 19 Children’s Public Health Service. Oxleas Services - Oxleas NHS Foundation Trust will continue to provide specialist services for children in the borough.

The Bexley 0 to 19 Children’s Public Health Service supports parents and carers to give their babies, children and young people the best possible start in life.

Health Visitors work with children aged 0 to four years.

Parents Guide to learning and development

Find out more about how your child is learning and developing during their first five years, in relation to the EYFS (Early Years Foundation Stage).

Children develop more rapidly during the first five years of their lives than at any other time. This booklet has been written to help you as a parent know what to expect during these vitally important years by focusing on the seven areas of learning and development which are covered in the EYFS.

Bexley Family Wellbeing Service

What can the service provide

The Family Wellbeing Service offer an intensive, short term and consent-based support to Bexley families and children/young people. The early help offer of effective support Level 3 is for families who suffer with parental mental health, parental substance misuse, parental domestic abuse, low-level neglect and children/young people who are at risk of permanent exclusion from education.

Bexley SHIELD (Safeguarding Partnership for Children and Young People) - Effective Support

Worried about a child

Reporting concerns about a child

If you’re worried that anyone under the age of 18 might need help, or is being neglected or hurt, you must tell someone.

If you’re a concerned member of the public, you can:

  • call Children’s Services at the Multi-Agency Safeguarding Hub (MASH) on 020 3045 5440 and speak to a social worker. If you’re worried you’ll be put in a difficult position, you can speak to them anonymously. The opening hours are Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm 
  • if it’s out of hours, call 020 8303 7777 or 020 8303 7171
  • drop in and see us at Civic Offices, 2 Watling Street, Bexleyheath DA6 7AT