THOUSANDS of pounds could be given to support parents and children in Blackbird Leys and Headington following cuts to children's centres.

Slade Nursery School is in line for £30,000 to relaunch some of the open access services lost following the closure of Slade and Headington Children's Centre.

The Leys Community Church, which runs a weekly Toddler Time playgroup, is set to be given £2,750 to refurbish its hall after seeing an increase in numbers.

The money comes from a £1m transition fund set up by Oxfordshire County Council after it pulled funding from 31 of its 44 children's centres.

In a report to council's cabinet, assistant chief executive Maggie Scott, said Slade Nursery School consulted with parents in the area to find out which activities and groups they should continue.

She said: "Slade Nursery School is keen to continue the groups to help parents to have positive relationships with their children.

"The panel noted that given the amount of money requested, increasing the number of Stay and Play session would offer greater value for money."

Richard Bryant, secretary of the nearby Bullingdon Community Association, said it was great for children and parents in the area.

He said: "I'm not sure whether the extra resources will stretch as far to replicate what they were providing before but obviously it can only be good thing.

"The services were really important to families in the area."

After three rounds of bids over the past year the council handed out money to 27 community groups but more than £230,000 remained in the pot.

The bids were opened up to smaller groups who had been impacted by children's centre cuts.

The Leys Community Church moved to the hall of Blackbird Leys Adventure Playground in November last year and applied for money to refurbish and create more storage.

Maureen Sim, a member of the leadership team, said: "It's fantastic news - it's definitely needed for some serious decoration and a storage shed.

"The sessions are growing and growing - I think as a result of children's centre closures and cuts - and the money will really help us.

The mother-of-three said the Leys Children's Centre - which has remained open but with reduced services - had a huge impact on her life and she was delighted to be able to help with a similar service for others.

She said: "It's really important for making friendships and developing relationships - when I first moved to Oxford I didn't know anyone and the children's centre was vital.

"Without it I wouldn't made the friends I have or be part of the community I am in.

"It's great to provide that now for other families."