The 1st Place Family
1st Place was born from the vision of local children and parents as part of the Aylesbury Sure Start Programme in 2005. The aim was to provide a special place where children and their families came first. Parents could find the support that they needed, different professionals could get to know each other, and partners could learn to change the way that they work to make their services better for local families.
To this day, our families still lie at the heart of what we do and we are proud of our long-lasting relationships with parents and their children. Many of our families continue to support us even when they have moved out of the area, and a number of our staff and volunteers began their links with 1st Place as parents.
Our Story
2003
1st Place was founded by local parents and the Aylesbury Sure Start team.
2005
Fundraising totals £2.5 million to build the new 1st Place Children and Parents’ Centre.
2006
1st Place Children and Parents’ Centre opened.
2007
1st Place becomes a registered charity, aiming to invest any surplus funds into services for local families.
2010
Early education at 1st Place rated Outstanding by Ofsted.
2011
Early education provision expands to Cambridge House, another local charity. Rated Outstanding by Ofsted.
2012
Early education at 1st Place at Cambridge House rated Outstanding by Ofsted.
2013
Bishop’s House Children Centre services taken under 1st Place management.
2015
1st Place at Lorrimore Square opened its doors on 26 October.
2019
1st Place becomes the Rose Vouchers Project lead and extends its reach to Camberwell Green and the north Walworth area.
2016
The 1st Place Children and Parents’ Centre extends its reach to cover the Borough, Bankside & Walworth area.
2018
1st Place joins the Rose Vouchers Project, helping local families access free fruit and vegetables.
2023
Early education provision expands to Elephant and Castle. Find out more about 1st Place at The Elephant.