Best Start Children’s Centres are welcoming community spaces in Croydon that offer support, advice, and activities for families with children aged 0 to 5. Whether you're a first-time parent or caring for a child with special educational needs or disabilities (SEND), the centres are here to help you feel supported and confident during the early years.

Children’s Centres bring together a range of services under one roof - making it easier for families to get the right help, at the right time, in one friendly place. 

Each centre provides access to services that support both your child’s development and your wellbeing as a parent or carer, including:

• Stay and play sessions for learning through fun and social interaction.
• Advice on child development, sleep, feeding, routines, and toilet training.
• SEND support groups and early help advice.
• Access to health visitors, midwives, and baby clinics.
• Support with behaviour, communication, or emotional needs.
• Workshops on parenting and school readiness.
• Help with childcare funding and nursery choices.
• Guidance around housing, benefits, and family support.

Children’s centres are inclusive, meaning they welcome all families - including those who have children with additional needs, disabilities, or developmental delay. 

If your child has SEND or you're concerned about their development, children’s centres can:

• Offer early advice and reassurance.
• Help with referrals to services like speech therapy or Portage.
• Connect you with the Early Years SEND Team.
• Provide inclusive play opportunities and group sessions.
• Support your child’s transition into nursery or school.
• Help you feel part of a supportive community of parents and professionals.

You can visit any Best Start Children’s Centre - no referral is needed for most sessions. You can also ask your health visitor, nursery, or GP for more information.

Please use the following links to find your nearest centre or check what's on:

• Best Start Children's Centres
• Best Start Health Visiting Service

Parenting can be rewarding and challenging - especially when your child needs extra support. Croydon’s Best Start Children’s Centres are here to help you feel connected, supported and informed, every step of the way.

Come along, meet other families, and discover the local support available to give your child the best start in life.