Conniburrow Children’s Centre, which provides activities and services for families with children under five years old, has received a financial boost of £1,500 from their local Labour ward councillor.

Ben Nolan represents CMK ward, and has allocated money from his ward grant so the centre can upgrade their outdoor garden space and provide free sports activities for children.

£1,000 of the grant will go towards new toys and equipment for the garden, which is being used frequently due to COVID-19.

Councillor Ben Nolan explains: “It’s important that our future generations are properly socialised from a young age, and the staff at Conniburrow Children’s Centre have done a brilliant and innovative job at ensuring this happens – even during a pandemic.

“The upgrades to the garden will ensure children can have fun, explore and enjoy the enriching and safe environment for years to come.”

The remaining £500 means the centre can offer free ‘Socatots’ classes to promote play and socialisation among young children.

Councillor Nolan adds: “Socatots are popular toddler football classes that encourage teamwork and physical activity, and are hugely beneficial for children’s development. It’s great news that the centre will be able to use this funding to offer sessions to families and their young children!”

Nickie Johnson, from Conniburrow Children’s Centre, concludes: “We are so delighted with the funding which will mean we can fund free access to Socatots to our families, and buy new toys for the garden area. The pandemic has been a tough time for new parents and young children, many have been very isolated, so it’s been great welcoming so many to the centre.”