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Footprints is a designated Children’s Centre which has developed from a 2nd wave Sure Start local programme in the Knowle West (KWSS) area of Bristol which has been running since 2001.

It has established a wide range of successful services in consultation with the local community, often in partnership with other agencies. Footprints are part of Bristol City Council (BCC) Children and Young People Services and are in the first phase of Children’s Centres developed in the City.

Footprints is one of 23 Children’s Centres that are being set up across the city by 2008, the service is now comparable to other Bristol Children’s Centres in structure and staff across the city share generic Job Descriptions.
Many specialist roles are shared across more than one centre which will aid the development of good practise and strengthen links between Children’s Centres.

Footprints are based at The Park, which is on the site of the former Merrywood School. Although closed as a secondary school in 2000 it is still in BCC ownership, and is used for a wide variety of learning opportunities.

Since opening, Footprints and the Park have worked very well in partnership, to the benefit of all involved. A common ethos based in lifelong learning, community development and partnership working was an important factor in deciding to make our permanent Children’s Centre base at the Park.