A £1.2 million children's centre has officially opened to help raise attainment levels and encourage parents to take a more active role in their children's education.

The centre, in the grounds of Knowleswood Primary School, Holme Wood, has taken two years to build and was officially opened by Bradford South MP Gerry Sutcliffe.

The purpose-built centre has come about thanks to a successful partnership between Sure Start Bierley, Holme Wood and Tyersal, Knowleswood School, Bradford Early Years and Childcare Sevices.

Knowleswood School head teacher John McGowan said he and his team had been actively involved in planning the centre from day one.

He said: "We are very supportive of the centre. I think it is very, very exciting. This is a tremendous opportunity for Holme Wood.

"It's a real centre for children which has so many resources for them and the staff are all very keen and enthusiastic."

The centre is one of three in the Bierley, Holme Wood and Tyersal area and will be running a variety of activities and courses for parents, children and young people.

One of the main focuses will be to improve the language skills of children between the ages of two and five.

Centre co-ordinator Lynn Bradley said encouraging parents to work with their children on developing their language and social skills within the centre would hopefully encourage them to take a more active role throughout their children's school career.

She said: "Parents are the most important influence in their children's lives and this centre is about developing a whole family approach to learning."

The centre also plans to run midwifery and ante-natal sessions as well as parenting groups and money advisory groups.

One of the most innovative courses is a ten-week course aimed at preparing teenagers for life as a family.

"We will be focusing on sexual health, relationships and pregnancy," said Lynn.

Ultimately the centre is hoping to act as a one-stop shop as well as working with all the schools in the area.

Parents who want to find out more about nursery provision at the centre should call nursery manager Joanne Waterhouse on (01274) 470141.

The centre's name will be announced on Monday, from a selection put forward by children at Knowleswood School.

e-mail: sunita.bhatti @bradford.newsquest.co.uk