South Ruislip Children’s Centre has moved to a newly upgraded building, offering expanded services, play areas, and support for families, children, and young people.
Hillingdon Council has officially relocated South Ruislip Children’s Centre to a newly refurbished and inclusive facility on the same site, offering expanded early learning and development services for children and families.
The upgraded centre, now housed within The Wren on Queens Walk, was formally opened on Friday, 24 January, with local parents, children, community partners, and council officers in attendance. Cllr Susan O’Brien, Hillingdon Council’s Cabinet Member for Children, Families, and Education, was also present to celebrate the milestone.
The newly designed space now includes dedicated counselling and health suites, a spacious main area for stay-and-play sessions, baby groups, antenatal classes, and programmes like GRoW
The move comes as part of the council’s commitment to improving early childhood services, ensuring families have access to vital resources in a modern and welcoming environment. The newly designed space now includes dedicated counselling and health suites, a spacious main area for stay-and-play sessions, baby groups, antenatal classes, and programmes like GRoW, which helps women build self-confidence and find employment opportunities.
Additionally, the centre’s outdoor garden has undergone a significant transformation, with landscaping enhancements making it a more child-friendly space. New toys and games have been introduced, creating an inviting environment for children, young people, and families to enjoy.
Beyond play and early learning, the centre will offer essential parenting support and one-on-one services. These include midwifery and health visitor clinics, children’s integrated therapy sessions, and guidance on preparing for nursery, managing fussy eating, and maintaining children’s dental health. Families with children who have special educational needs and disabilities will also have access to dedicated support services.
The centre’s offerings extend beyond early childhood, with dedicated sessions and activities catering to older children and young people. Among these are a weekly group for young carers and another for young people who identify as LGBTQ+. The building will also continue to be used by MENCAP, which provides activities and support for people with learning disabilities.
Local parents have already begun to embrace the upgraded facility. Jasmine Bosze, who visited the centre with her three-year-old son Jacob, expressed her enthusiasm, saying, “I think it’s fantastic – it’s a great space for children to socialise with others. For me, it’s also about getting to know other mums in the area and understanding what’s available, which I think is really important.”
“It’s a great space for children to socialise and for parents to connect.” – Jasmine Bosze, local parent.
Cllr O’Brien highlighted the significance of the children’s centre in the local community, stating, “Our children’s centres, based in the heart of our communities, give families access to a range of early learning and development services to help their children thrive and live active and independent lives. This centre is a multi-purpose space with a range of services co-located in one place. This makes it easier for our residents to access support, allows us to work more closely with our partners to support children in a caring and nurturing environment, and maximises the use of this building throughout the day.”
Previously, South Ruislip Children’s Centre was co-located with South Ruislip Early Years Centre. Following the council’s decision to transition its early years centres to an alternative provider, the children’s centre has now moved into The Wren, ensuring continued service delivery in a purpose-built, modernised space.
The relocation and upgrade reaffirm Hillingdon Council’s commitment to enhancing community services, making it easier for families to access the support and resources they need to help their children grow, learn, and flourish.
