Overview

Welcome to Blandford Children's Centre, which is part of the North Dorset cluster of children's centres. See our latest newsletter (pdf, 435kb) (opens in a new window)  for the North Dorset cluster.

Our centre has evolved into a service for parents of children aged 0 - 19 as the centre team work alongside a host of professionals and support services, including:

• Citizen's Advice

• Children and Adolescent Mental Health Service

• Early Support

• Extended Services

• The National Childminding Association

• Parent Support Group

• Youth Inclusion Support Panel

In addition to a wide variety of groups and activities, we have a 40 place nursery and an out of school club (Oscars) for children aged 4 - 12 years. We support courses run in conjunction with Dorset Adult Learning with our Creche. 

Please see our current activities (pdf, 761kb) (opens in a new window)  programme. Please check availability with the centre if you are planning on attending an activity. We look forward to welcoming you.

We work closely with the other Children's Centres in North Dorset. Find out what activities (pdf, 356kb) (opens in a new window) are running in Blandford, Gillingham, Shaftesbury and Sturminster Newton.

If you have a baby under one, come and join our under ones' club (pdf, 380kb) (opens in a new window)   Please call to book your place.

The centre also has a sensory tent which groups, families and the nursery, as well as local pre-schools, and other outside groups and professionals can use.

We are proud of our links with the Blandford Midwifery Service, Connexions and Blandford Health Visiting team.

Location and area covered

We are located in Black Lane in Blandford Forum, which was the old St Leonnards School site. This is also the site for Adult Learning and Archbishop Wake Primary School.

The centre covers a wide area including Shillingstone, the Tarrants, out to Winterborne Kingston and Blandford Camp.

Parking

There is very limited parking on site but the centre is located close to the town centre and a 'pay and display' car park. This costs 60p per hour. There are a number of dedicated Disabled spaces within our car park. There is a lay-by outside the perimeter which you may also park in. There is a bus stop a short walking distance from the centre.

Further Information

The centre warmly welcomes you to drop in and have a look around, or contact us for more information. We are open 8am - 6pm, Monday to Friday, 51 weeks of the year with the exception of Bank Holidays and Staff Training days.

• Manager - Amanda Davis
  Name: Blandford Forum Children's Centre
  Email: blandfordcc@dorsetcc.gov.uk
  Tel: 01258 480147
  Fax: 01258 480147
  Full details for Blandford Forum Children's Centre