If you have not been to Spangles and live in the areas of Stansted, Elsenham, Henham, Berden, Hatfield Heath, Birchanger, Manuden, Ugley, Farnham, Hatfield Broad Oak or the Halingbury's, why not pop down to have a look around and meet us? You will be warmly welcomed and can have a chat about the highs and lows of being a family with young children in this area.


Spangles is one of three Sure Start Children's Centres in Uttlesford and we cover families living in the Stansted, Birchanger, Hatfield Heath, Hatfield Broad Oak, Little and Gt. Hallinbury's, Elsenham, Henham, Berden, Farnham, Manuden, Ugley, and Chickney areas. We provide services and activities to support parents in the everyday challenges that they face in bringing up young children.

From April 1st 2012 the Lead Body resposible for Spangles Children's Centre along with 16 other Children's Centres in Essex was awarded to Spurgeons, one of the UK's most experienced children's charities.  Spurgeons have been working with marginalised and disadvantaged children and young people for over 140 years.  Today Spurgeon's work has changed considerabley, having evolved into partnerships with local authorities, churches and other agencies, to provide a wide variety of services for children and families.  As Spurgeon's staff we hope our work leaves a positive imprint on the lives of every child and family.  Spurgeons' Core values very much reflect the values already held in high regard.  These Core values are that:

• We are caring and want people to feel safe, valued and loved
• We are inclusive and recognise each person as a unique individual
• We are holistic and deal with every aspect of a persons life
• We are hopeful and believe positive change is possible for all people
• We are responsive and have a flexible approach to the different needs and situations we encounter
• We are professional and set ourselves high standards

If you would like more information on Spurgeons and the other areas we work in please see link to website

What families can expect

We have a varied timetable with a wide range of sessions on offer in
different locations:

• A range of fun informal groups for all 0-5 year olds and their families
• Stay and play sessions, providing activities for children to play and learn
  using toys, equipment and resources
• Music and messy play
• Physical activity groups
• Information on child minders and child minder support groups
• Local information on baby and toddler groups, pre-schools, nurseries
  and primary schools.
• Links to family health teams and information services
• Support for families and children with additional needs
• Parenting classes

We want our services to reflect your needs, local to your home. So contact us and tell us what's missing in your area. See our timetable page for what's on when.

Sessions on offer at Spangles are free of charge and open to all families with children under 5 years of age.