BUILDERS are to extend the Leys Children’s Centre in Blackbird Leys to make it more user-friendly.

The centre, in Cuddesdon Way, will undergo £50,000 of work to make it more accessible for wheelchair users.

An extension will be built on to the front of the building. Work is due to begin this month and should be complete by Christmas.

A larger reception area will be created and the toilets will be adapted to improve facilities for the disabled.

Jenny Martin, head of the children’s centre, said: “Disruption will be kept to a minimum, as people can use the back entrance while the work is in progress.”

She added: “It will give us a lot more space and it will be a lot more inviting. It will also give disabled children and their families room to play and make best use of the facilities we have on offer.”

Centre user Mandy Hoosein, 38, mother of four-year-old twins Daanyaal and Zahrah, of Kersington Crescent, Cowley, helped with the bid.

She said: “The extension will make the children’s centre more welcoming.

“I have an autistic son and it will help him. At the moment there are two sets of doors and a high desk in the reception area where children can’t see over the top.

“The more publicity the centre gets, the more people who come and see what it’s about. It’s a safe environment where children can build up safe relationships with each other and staff.”

Parents and managers applied for the funding in February. The money will come from the Government’s transformation programme for disabled children’s services, the Aiming Higher Project.

Last month, parents praised the centre as a lifeline after it was given the seal of approval by Ofsted.

Inspectors rated its overall effectiveness as good with some outstanding aspects, including its care, guidance and support.

In 2007, the centre incorporated centres at Pegasus School and Windale School and now helps about 40 per cent of the estate’s under-fives.

As well as play sessions and childcare, the centre offers advice and courses.