A new extension at a Carmarthen family centre will be unveiled next week.
The Carmarthenshire County Council-run Argel Playgroup and Family Centre at Johnstown has been expanded to allow greater space for children and families to enjoy.
The family centre provides a supported environment for children and families in the Carmarthen area, offering playgroup sessions, supervised contact and one-to-one work with children.
The extension has been financed by Carmarthenshire County Council as part of its investment in children’s services facilities, and will be officially opened by Children’s Services executive board member Cllr Gwynne Wooldridge on Thursday, April 29.
Manager Debbie Stacey, who has worked at the centre for over 20 years, said:
“The excellent refurbishment work carried out includes an extension to the building and a new patio area which provides much needed, valuable, additional space for the children to explore and play.”
She added: “The centre is a safe, stimulating and nurturing environment which has a wide range of excellent educational resources for the children to enhance and promote their development.
“One of the centre’s strongest points is how well the staff work together as a team – they provide an effective working practice using a consistent, encouraging and positive approach to produce a quality service responding to the needs of children.”
The family centre is registered by the CSSIW (Care and Social Services Inspectorate Wales), and is staffed by experienced and well qualified resource workers who encourage physical and cognitive development, positive interaction with others, and to play within clear set boundaries.
They also encourage young children to see, practice and learn social skills, in a supportive and homely environment.
Staff currently provide seven playgroup sessions a week for children living in the Carmarthen area including children and their families living in the identified ‘Flying Start’ area.
Anthony Maynard, service manager with the education and children’s services division of the council, said:
“Argel Family Centre encourages working in partnership with parents, professionals and other agencies including Education, Children’s Services and the health sector, so that they are supporting and safeguarding children.
“Everyone involved works together to promote the welfare, well being and global development of every child so that they are given the best opportunity for a good start in life.”
