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.
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 Tuesday
Venue | Dates | Times | Activity | Booking Details |
---|---|---|---|---|
Church of the Cross, Lensbury Way, Thamesmead, SE2 9UE |
26 July | 10.30am to 11.30am | Terrific Tuesdays | No need to book Babies & Toddlers 0 to 3 years (Siblings up to 5 years welcome) |
2 August | 10.30am to 11.30am | Terrific Tuesdays | No need to book Babies & Toddlers 0 to 3 years (Siblings up to 5 years welcome) | |
9 August | 10.30am to 11.30am | Terrific Tuesdays | No need to book Babies & Toddlers 0 to 3 years (Siblings up to 5 years welcome) | |
16 August | 10.30am to 11.30am | Terrific Tuesdays | No need to book Babies & Toddlers 0 to 3 years (Siblings up to 5 years welcome) | |
23 August | 10.30am to 11.30am | Terrific Tuesdays | No need to book Babies & Toddlers 0 to 3 years (Siblings up to 5 years welcome) | |
Danson Children's Centre, Brampton Road, Bexleyheath, DA7 4EZ |
2 August | 5pm to 6pm | Antenatal Yoga & Pilates taster classes for expectant Mums | No need to book For more information contact West St CC on 0203 045 5480 |
9 August | 5pm to 6pm | Antenatal Yoga & Pilates taster classes for expectant Mums | No need to book For more information contact West St CC on 0203 045 5480 | |
Northumberland Heath Children's Centre, 141 Brook Street, Erith, DA8 1JD |
26 July | 2pm to 3.30pm | Bouncing Babies | No need to book New parents & babies 0 to 12 months unable to accommodate older siblings |
2 August | 2pm to 3.30pm | Bouncing Babies | No need to book New parents & babies 0 to 12 months unable to accommodate older siblings | |
9 August | 2pm to 3.30pm | Bouncing Babies | No need to book New parents & babies 0 to 12 months unable to accommodate older siblings | |
16 August | 2pm to 3.30pm | Bouncing Babies | No need to book New parents & babies 0 to 12 months unable to accommodate older siblings | |
23 August | 2pm to 3.30pm | Bouncing Babies | No need to book New parents & babies 0 to 12 months unable to accommodate older siblings |
Activities on Wednesday
Venue | Dates | Times | Activity | Booking Details |
---|---|---|---|---|
Creative Kids Hall rear of West Street Youth & Family Centre, Maxim Road, DA8 1FA |
10 August | 10.30am to 12pm | Wild Wednesdays - Messy Play | Call 0203 045 5480 to book or pop into the centre at West Street to book. For babies and children 0 to 3 years (siblings up to 5 years welcome) |
24 August | 10am to 12pm | Wild Wednesdays - Seaside Theme | Call 0203 045 5480 to book or pop into the centre at West Street to book. For babies and children 0 to 3 years (siblings up to 5 years welcome) | |
West Street CC, 174 Chandlers Drive, Erith, DA8 1LW |
27 July | 1pm to 3pm | Wild Wednesday - Animal Theme | Call 0203 045 5480 to book or pop into the centre at West Street to book. For babies and children 0 to 3 years (siblings up to 5 years welcome) |
17 August | 10am to 12pm and 2pm to 3.30pm | Information Day | No need to book - Practitioners on hand to chat and give advice on behaviour, sleep, toileting and fussy eating |
Activities on Thursday
Venue | Dates | Times | Activity | Booking Details |
---|---|---|---|---|
Creative Kids Hall rear of West Street Youth & Family Centre, Maxim Road, DA8 1FA |
4 August | 10.30am to 12pm | Physical Thursdays | Please book by calling the Children's Centre on 0203 045 5480. For children 2 to 5 years, (siblings under 2 welcome) |
18 August | 10.30am to 12pm | Physical Thursdays | Please book by calling the Children's Centre on 0203 045 5480. For children 2 to 5 years, (siblings under 2 welcome) | |
Danson CC, Brampton Road, Bexleyheath, DA7 4EZ |
4 August | 10.30am to 11.30am | Antenatal Yoga & Pilates taster classes for expectant Mums | No need to book for more information please contact West St CC on 0203 045 5480 |
11 August | 10.30am to 11.30am | Antenatal Yoga & Pilates taster classes for expectant Mums | No need to book for more information please contact West St CC on 0203 045 5480 |
Activities on Friday
Venue | Dates | Times | Activity | Booking Details |
---|---|---|---|---|
West Street CC, 174 Chandlers Drive, Erith, DA8 1LW |
29 July | 10am to 11.30am | Bouncing Babies | No need to book - for new parents and babies 0 to 12 months (we are unable to accommodate older siblings) |
5 August | 10am to 11.30am | Bouncing Babies | No need to book - for new parents and babies 0 to 12 months (we are unable to accommodate older siblings) | |
12 August | 10am to 11.30am | Bouncing Babies | No need to book - for new parents and babies 0 to 12 months (we are unable to accommodate older siblings) | |
19 August | 10am to 11.30am | Bouncing Babies | No need to book - for new parents and babies 0 to 12 months (we are unable to accommodate older siblings) | |
26 August | 10am to 11.30am | Bouncing Babies | No need to book - for new parents and babies 0 to 12 months (we are unable to accommodate older siblings) |
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
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
Day | Venue | Dates & Times | Activity | Booking Details |
---|---|---|---|---|
Monday | St Peters Church Pickford Lane, Bexleyheath, DA7 4RS |
1 August 1pm to 3pm |
Craft in the Church | For babies and primary school-aged children, £2.50 per child (under 2's free), No booking required - just come along |
8 August 1pm to 3pm |
Craft in the Church | For babies and primary school-aged children, £2.50 per child (under 2's free), No booking required - just come along | ||
16 August 1pm to 3pm |
Craft in the Church | For babies and primary school-aged children, £2.50 per child (under 2's free), No booking required - just come along | ||
23 August 1pm to 3pm |
Craft in the Church | For babies and primary school-aged children, £2.50 per child (under 2's free), No booking required - just come along | ||
Tuesday | Christ Church Erith Victoria Road Erith, DA8 3AN |
26 July 9.15am to 10.30am |
Toddler Church | For babies, toddlers and school-age children, small donation for drinks & snacks. No booking required - just come along |
2 August 9.15am to 10.30am |
Toddler Church | For babies, toddlers and school-age children, small donation for drinks & snacks. No booking required - just come along | ||
9 August 9.15am to 10.30am |
Toddler Church | For babies, toddlers and school-age children, small donation for drinks & snacks. No booking required - just come along | ||
16 August 9.15am to 10.30am |
Toddler Church | For babies, toddlers and school-age children, small donation for drinks & snacks. No booking required - just come along | ||
23 August 9.15am to 10.30am |
Toddler Church | For babies, toddlers and school-age children, small donation for drinks & snacks. No booking required - just come along | ||
Thursday | St Peters Church Pickford Lane, Bexleyheath, DA7 4RS |
4 August 1pm to 3pm |
Craft in the Church | For babies and primary school-aged children, £2.50 per child (under 2's free), No booking required - just come along |
11 August 1pm to 3pm |
Craft in the Church | For babies and primary school-aged children, £2.50 per child (under 2's free), No booking required - just come along | ||
18 August 1pm to 3pm |
Craft in the Church | For babies and primary school-aged children, £2.50 per child (under 2's free), No booking required - just come along | ||
25 August 1pm to 3pm |
Craft in the Church | For babies and primary school-aged children, £2.50 per child (under 2's free), No booking required - just come along |
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
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
Bexley Citizens Advice Bureau
Bexley CAB provides free independent, confidential and impartial advice to all residents in the borough on their rights and responsibilities.
Bexley SNAP
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 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
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
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