Family HUb - Better Start
Welcome to Better Start Streatham and Norwood
Where Every Child Matters
Welcome to Better Start Streatham and Norwood; part of the Lambeth Family Hub network, supporting families with children aged 0–4 years.
Our aim is simple: to give every baby and young child in our community the best start in life by making it easier for families to access support, advice, and early years opportunities.
Introduction: Best Start in Life
We believe that every child deserves the best start. Through Better Start, we bring together early education, health, and family support so that children can thrive from the very beginning.
Our work focuses on four key areas:
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Social and emotional development
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Communication and language
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Diet and nutrition
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Parent and carer wellbeing
We recognise and celebrate the diversity of our community, offering both universal services for all families and targeted support for those who may need extra help.
You can learn more about Lambeth’s borough-wide approach to early years support at:
Best Start in Life
Lambeth's Digital Family Hub
About Us
The Streatham & Norwood Better Start area includes seven Family Hub Children’s Centres in the south of the London Borough of Lambeth.
Each centre offers a welcoming, inclusive space for families to learn, play, and connect.
We are open Monday to Friday, 8:30am – 4:30pm, for 48 weeks of the year.
All parents and carers with children under five are welcome.
If you would like to find out more, pop into your nearest centre, please check our online timetable, or get in touch:
020 8835 9569
[email protected]
Our Centres
In Streatham:
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Hillside Gardens Children’s Centre
Hillside Gardens Park, SW2 3HJ | Tel: 020 8835 9569
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Hitherfield Children’s Centre
Hitherfield Road, SW16 2LW | Tel: 020 8835 9569
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Streatham Hub Children’s Centre
388 Streatham High Road, SW16 6HX | Tel: 020 4548 2561
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Sunnyhill Children’s Centre
Harborough Road, SW16 2XW | Tel: 020 4548 2561
In Norwood:
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Benton’s Lane Children’s Centre
18 Benton’s Lane, SE27 9UD | Tel: 020 4542 3520 (opt 1)
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Crown Lane Children’s Centre
Crown Lane, SW16 3HX | Tel: 020 4542 3520 (opt 1)
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Rosendale Children’s Centre
Rosendale Road, SE21 8LY | Tel: 020 4542 3520 (opt 1)
What’s On Offer
We offer a wide range of activities and support for families with children aged 0–4:
For your child:
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Health and nutrition: Baby clinics, breastfeeding support, “Starting Solids” and “Fussy Eating” workshops
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Early learning and play: Stay & Play sessions for babies and toddlers led by Early Years Practitioners
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Inclusion: Dedicated Stay & Play sessions for children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND)
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Language and communication: “Chattertime” with local Speech and Language Therapists, especially for children who may have a speech and language development delay.
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Child development support: Development clinics and appointments with local Health Visitors
For you as a parent or carer:
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Parenting programmes: Circle of Security, Being a Parent, and support for families of children with additional needs or autism
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Learning and skills: ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages) and other adult learning opportunities (Free crèche places available – book early)
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Family support: Confidential one-to-one meetings to discuss pertinent issues such as housing, benefits, employment, or emotional wellbeing
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Inclusion: Parenting programmes and support for parents of children and young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND)
All of our services are free of charge, but some sessions may require advance booking.
See the current timetables below:
Streatham Better Start Area Timetable Autumn 2025
Norwood Better Start Area Timetable Autumn 2025
Why Visit a Better Start Centre?
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Friendly, local spaces where families can learn, connect and grow together
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Support for your child’s early development and school readiness
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Opportunities to meet other parents and build community connections
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Help and advice from professionals on a wide range of topics — from childcare and health to finances and relationships
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Confidential one-to-one support for any concerns, with referrals to other services if needed
Our team reflects the diversity of our local area and understands the challenges and joys of raising young children in our community.
Getting Started
If you would like to join or refer a family to our services:
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Register with Lambeth Better Start services
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Find your local centre and check the current timetable
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Call ahead to book sessions or ask about specialist groups (e.g. for young parents, SEND, or language development)
Explore more at:
Lambeth Better Start Website
Register your family to use Better Start services
Access Our Padlet
Stay up to date with what is happening in your local area!
Visit our live Padlet noticeboard for the latest events, timetables, workshops, and community updates in and near our centres:
Streatham and Norwood Live Noticeboard
Working Together for Families
Better Start Streatham and Norwood work closely with local and national organisations to ensure families get the right help at the right time.
If we cannot support you directly, we will connect you with the right service and stay alongside you throughout the process.
Our goal is to make essential services easily accessible, welcoming, and coordinated to help every family flourish.
Get in Touch
Better Start Streatham & Norwood
Phone: 020 8835 9569
Email: [email protected]
We look forward to meeting you and your family soon!
Our Staff Team
Executive Head Teacher - Christopher Ashley-Jones
Better Start Area Manager - Phyllis Hayden
Deputy Manager - Early Years and Family Practitioner - Tracy Lattimore
Deputy Manager - Better Start Services - Leona Waldropt-Thompson
Better Start Worker - Barbara Moonan
Better Start Worker - Eunice Millet
Better Start Worker - Maureen Shand
Early Years and Family Practitioner - Ashley Flood
Early Years and Family Practitioner - Deon Mitchell
Senior CC Administrator - Natalie Smith
CC Administrator - Catherine Medina
CC Administrator - Thomas Phillips