Alloa Family Centre

Park Community Learning Campus

East Castle Street
Alloa
FK10 1AT

Tel: 01259 218722
Fax: 01259 216421

Acting Manager: Liz Breingan

Alloa Family Centre is a purpose-built centre situated about 10 minutes walk from Alloa town centre, near the glassworks and right opposite Park Primary School. The Centre serves the populations of Alloa, Tullibody, Cambus and Clackmannan. A minibus runs to areas which are some distance from the Centre - although we can't always provide transport, we will try and help if we can.

We are open Monday - Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. with some evening meetings. Although a lot of our work is with under-fives and their parents, we also run some services for older children.

Our staff consists of a Manager, Depute Manager, 13 Early Years and Family Workers, 2 Administrators and Domestic Staff (Caretaker, Kitchen Staff, Cleaners and minibus staff). In addition we often have students or trainees working in the Centre. Our Early Years and Family Workers are trained Nursery Nurses, and other staff hold Nursery Nurse or Social Work qualifications. We believe that parents have a very important part to play in the Centre.

Our services are monitored by the Care Commission which, by law, has to inspect the Centre every year so that good standards are maintained. The Family Centre was awarded a Charter Mark, the national standards for customer service excellence, in May 2005. This achievement demonstrates that customers needs and aspirations genuinely form the basis for the design and delivery of the service.

If you need advice, support or companionship, or know someone who does, why not think about using the Centre?

What we do

The Family Centre provides a service for all families. Whether you want a bit of company for yourself and your child or if you need some advice and help, the Centre can offer you a service. We offer:

Daycare Family Support in Small Units

This service is used by many families who need extra support or guidance over a limited period of time. Families usually obtain a Unit/Parent and Toddler session on the recommendation of a Health Visitor or Social Worker, but you can refer yourself.

Within the Centre we aim to provide good quality childcare and education. Play is important because it makes a powerful contribution to young children's development and learning. Children learn through play.

Staff provide a wide range of experiences for the children in groups and individually. Parents are encouraged to be involved in all aspects of the Centre's activities.

Special Events and Individual Family Needs

We pay special attention to children's birthdays, dietary provision and cultural backgrounds. We aim to give valuable learning experiences to all children.

Confidential Support and Advice

Available on request, from one of the Management Team or an Early Years and Family Worker. We can listen, or talk through problems with you, or refer you to other people who can help you.

Parent & Toddler Group

This meets in the large play area every weekday morning. Your children can enjoy the play, and you can meet other parents in a relaxed atmosphere. Two staff run the group and have regular parents' meetings.

The Session days and times are:

Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday: 9.00am - 12 noon

Groupwork

We run many Groups and activities in the Centre for parents. Some of these have a creche service.

Cookery Group
This small group is led by an Early Years and Family Worker.
Time Out Group
This group has a varied programme of Arts and Crafts, Talks and Demonstrations. A creche service is provided.
Baby Talk
Baby talk sessions are to provide opportunities for mothers of babies up to 18 months to gain support from staff and other mothers who are living through the same experiences.
Baby Cafe
This is a support group for breast feeding mothers arranged through Alloa Health Centre and is led by a Health Visitor.
Rolling Group
This group is led by Betty Murdoch, Paediatric Physiotherapist for children and their partents/carer.
Other Groups
- Family Mediation Central - Access Centre on Saturday.
- Courses for Academy Students - making them aware of young children's needs.