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A new family centre that has opened at one of the Island’s primary schools is helping to educate children before they even start school.
Samarès Pathways has opened up in the grounds of Samarès school to give more community support to families with young children.
The centre set up by Education, Health and Family Nursing & Home Care is running groups to promote early learning and literacy as well as check ups for young children, premature baby support, pop-in and play groups, breakfast clubs and gives parents the chance to see health visitors and community nursery nurses.
Health and Social Services Minister Senator Andrew Green said: “Early intervention was highlighted in the White Paper ‘Caring for Each Other, Caring For Ourselves’ as essential for identifying health or social problems when children are very young. This pilot project will enable us to target our services and help families as quickly and effectively as possible and the joint working is recognised as being an important factor in making this a success.
Julie Gafoor, the Chief Executive Officer of Family Nursing & Home Care, said: “We are passionate about delivering care that makes a real difference to people’s lives and this partnership project at Samarès Pathways will enable us to do just that. Working in a centre linked to a school in a residential area, means we can deliver the most effective support possible to the people who need it most.”
The new centre is being piloted in the old NSPCC building and if it proves popular similar centres could open up at other schools around the Island.
Samarès head teacher Andrew Willis said: “We are a school in the centre of our community, which makes us an important focal point for all families in the area. The new centre enables us to expand what we do and support the very youngest children by supporting their families. The centre is a friendly, welcoming place for parents to come and provides a gentle focus on health and education that will help us to spot any potential issues early on.”
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