Background

The Children's centre concept has been developed in co-operation with Gasyard Trust to provide quality facilities, which will substantially improve the life chances of the present and future generations of young people within the Bogside and Brandywell.

Research has found that 9.5% (224) of the local population was between the ages 0-4. While this percentage corresponds closely with city average it is nevertheless imperative to view this development in the context of overall deprivation within the ward and the sense of stagnation and ghettoisation, which exists here as a consequence.

There is also a wholly inadequate provision for early years development at local level.

Gasyard Development Trust's concept of a new and innovative children's centre as an integral through independent and secure unit within the Neighbourhood Centre is now being fulfilled. This new Children's Centre will seek to complement current provision in the area by adding a much-needed new and forwarding looking dimension of children's care and development.

GDT proposes to establish a series of interlocking child and parent orientated projects which together will cater for the integrated educational, social, recreational and health needs of a significant and vulnerable section of this community. The benefits derived from the provision of such services is supported by evidence that clearly demonstrates that children who participate in a structured early years programme significantly improve their all round development. The physical structure of the 'Centre' will reflect a novel and imaginative character and will consist of new built, high quality outdoor and indoor facilities, located within a landscaped urban park setting. Together these elements will cater for a range of options for child-orientated initiatives. When combined, the provision of facilities within the Centre will substantially improve accessibility to local services and increase opportunities towards formal education and employment for local parents.

The Children's Centre work will be based on the Children (NI) Order 1995 by implementing the five key principles which are

·Paramountcy
· Parental Responsibility
· Prevention
· Partnership
· Protection

The principles and objectives of the early years centre will also comply with the European Commission's recommendations on childcare by ensuring

· affordability
· access to services for children with special needs
· combining reliable care with an educational approach
· full consultation and co-operation between statutory services, childcare providers, parents and local communities
· diversity and flexibility of services
· increase choice and opportunities for parents