WORK is about to start on a new children’s centre in the grounds of Shipston Primary School.

Building work is planned to start next month with the centre expected to open its doors to under-5s and their families by December 2010.

Badger Valley Children’s Centre will provide a wide range of services to families living in the town of Shipston and surrounding villages, including; Newbold, Tredington, Ilmington, Quinton, Brailes and Long Compton.

Services offered by the county council centre will include, support for parents, information on child and family health, and help for parents looking for work.

Children’s Centre Manager Debbie Muitt said: “Badger Valley is a phase 3 centre, completing the government’s Sure Start programme of providing a universal service for all families with children under 5 in the county.

“The centre will offer many new opportunities for families in the town and neighbouring villages. They will be able to attend health visitor or adult learning sessions, pick up financial or parenting advice, socialise and share tips with one another plus much more besides,” she said.

During the building work, services will be offered in a number of different villages, including Brailes and Lower Quinton. For more information call Debbie Muitt, or email debbiemuitt@warwickshire.gov.uk