​Brand new Best Start Family Hub opens in Birchen Coppice Kidderminster

02 Apr 2026

The Best Start Family Hub at Birchen Coppice Primary School opened its doors on Wednesday, 1 April 2026.

Local people visited the new hub to find out more about the support available for all families in the area.

Families enjoyed a range of free activities, including an Easter egg hunt and other family-friendly games. Free face painting was available for children by mum George, sponsored by Liaison Group.

A young child with a painted tiger face smiles at the camera while being held by an adult indoors. The face paint features orange, white and black stripes with whiskers and small fangs. The child wears a light coloured coat with a floral pattern. The adult stands close behind, holding the child securely. In the background, there is a wall with a light switch panel and part of a room with furniture.

Entertaining everyone at the launch was the Coppice Shanty Crew with their rousing sea shanties.

The Sea Shanties perform inside a Family Hub reception area beneath a “School Office” sign. Several people wear historical costumes and hats. One person plays a guitar while another holds a violin. Others raise their arms and gesture towards the camera. A music stand is set up in front. The scene appears busy and energetic, with many participants gathered closely together near the entrance.

There was also the chance to meet staff from local organisations and services such as Kemp Hospice, Melo, Simply Limitless and Smokefree Homes.

Sandra Pennington, Head of Birchen Coppice Primary School, officially opened the hub by cutting the ribbon.

She said: “I was delighted to open this new family hub. We support children and families from nursery age through to 11, and having the hub based in the school will help us do even more. We already build strong relationships with families, and now we can get to know families from pregnancy and birth. It also means we can make full use of the school throughout the year, keeping it at the heart of the community all year round.”

The new hub will provide all local children and families with a single, welcoming place to access help, advice and support from the very start of a child’s life. Services include parenting groups, midwifery appointments, stay-and-play sessions, and much more.

A baby sits at a low wooden play table with natural toys including rings, a wicker ball and small objects. The baby reaches forward to explore the items. An adult sits close behind, watching and supporting. The play area features wooden activity frames with hanging rings on the right. The setting appears to be an indoor early years space with neutral walls and simple furniture focused on sensory play and exploration.

Jade Fidoe, a mum who came to the opening with her family said:“I have used family hubs over the past 15 years, including Brookside and Rainbows. It’s great to hear of a new hub opening in Birchen Coppice. It’s a brilliant way for both children and adults to socialise, interact with others and receive support. The hubs have helped me and my family in many ways, and I would definitely recommend them to others.”

Birchen Coppice Best Start Family Hub is open on Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesday, 8:30am to 4:30pm. The hub is for all families, not just families who go to Birchen Coppice Primary School.

Find out more on the dedicated Family Hubs pages of our website.