First Steps Child and Family Centre - Barnardo's

Barnardo's First Steps Child & Family Centre in Peterborough offers a welcoming and supportive environment for children aged 0-5 years and their parents or carers. Our activities are designed to help families bond, understand child development, and build strong relationships.

What we offer:

• PEEP Courses (Parents as Early Education Partners): For children from birth to age 5, including antenatal support for expectant parents. These courses help parents develop sensitive, responsive relationships and improve the home learning environment.
• Stay & Play Sessions: Safe, stimulating play for toddlers to age 5, focusing on language, literacy, and school readiness.
• Baby Massage: For non-mobile babies, this course helps with bonding and can relieve colic, wind, and constipation. Note: There is a small charge for massage oils; all other sessions are free.
• Baby Time: Relaxed sessions for babies (birth to walking) to explore, develop social skills, and for parents to connect and share experiences.
• NHS Clinics: Midwifery and Health Visitor clinics (appointments required), and baby self-weigh drop-in sessions.
• The Buttercup Café: Wednesdays 12-2pm. Enjoy jacket potatoes and toasties for £1, with free tea, coffee, squash, or water. Everyone welcome!

Why choose us?

• Support for child development and parenting at every stage
• Help to combat isolation for parents and children
• Access to health and wellbeing support from professionals
• Wheelchair accessible facilities, disabled toilets, and car parking
• Opportunities to volunteer and get involved in your community

All sessions (except Baby Massage) are free. For details on charges, dates, and times, please visit our booking form via the website link below.

Our mission: Barnardo’s is committed to improving outcomes and life chances for all children, young people, and their families. We focus on reaching local families to support day-to-day needs and challenges, ensuring every child has the best start in life.