By LISA HERITAGE

A FAMILIY advice centre in the Spa is one of only 32 centres nationwide to scoop a Government cash injection.

Children, Young People and Families Minister Margaret Hodge flagged up Droitwich's new advice centre, WANDS as a shining example of joined-up early year's services.

This puts WANDS, (Westlands and Neighbourhood Nursery Development with Sure Start) which provides care, education and family support services for the under-fives, in line for a slice of an £850,000 windfall.

Facilities

The centre's programme manager, Karen Chidlow said they are now working in partnership with Westlands First School to enhance their Information Communications Technology, (ICT) sports and arts facilities.

She added: "At present we provide limited after school-care facilities. But by working with the school and the Pre-school learning Alliance, we are looking to broaden after school provision to assist parenting, to support life long learning and better work opportunities."

Business support officer for early years and childcare services in Worcestershire, Cath Ellicott said the department has around £850,000 to spend across the county. But the WANDS centre is the only one to be approved as yet.

Cath said:"The money will go towards increasing the range of services on offer to pre-school children and their parents including health, information and support services."

Margaret Hodge added: "Joined-up services mean better support for children and families. The extended schools and children's centres will help families access what they need, where and when they need it. They will act as one stop places providing services organised around the needs of children and families.

Working parents

She added: "Flexible childcare available at extended schools and children's centres is easy for parents to access and helps working parents."