Celebrating 10 Years of Bright Beginnings
Thank you for visiting Spark Burntwood – where new ideas, fresh opportunities, and bright beginnings are at the heart of everything we do for children and families in Burntwood.
Spark is a family centre and registered charity based at Springhill Academy, supporting over 1,600 families each year through free services and activities. Open six days a week, we address real-life challenges such as parenting, early education, wellbeing, and the rising cost of living. Our mission is simple yet powerful:
To help families learn, play, grow, be healthy – and be happy.
Our Story
From an Idea to a Community Anchor
In 2015, Spark opened its doors with a bold vision: to give families the support they need during the most crucial early years of a child’s life. As we celebrate our 10-year anniversary in 2025, we’re proud to reflect on how that vision has grown into a vibrant, community-led movement.
As we said on our opening day:
“Why did we create Spark? Because every child deserves a bright beginning. The first 1001 days of a child’s life are crucial to their emotional development, educational opportunities, future wellbeing, and chances in life. If we can support families early on, society reaps the rewards.”
A Decade of Impact
What started with passion and a petition has become a cornerstone of the community. Here are just a few highlights from our journey:
2015
- January: A local campaign begins to save Burntwood’s children’s centres
- March: A 6-month reprieve granted, and the idea of Spark is born
- September: Spark CIC officially launches
2016 – 2019
- Midday Mayhem, Grandparents’ Group, and Chasewater Strollers thrive
- 2017: Spark Baby Bistro (breastfeeding support) launches
- 2018: First “Play in the Parks” event hosted at Springhill Academy
- 2019: Spark hires its first part-time staff member and transitions from CIC to charity
2020 – 2021
- 2020:
- COVID-19 hits, and Spark adapts – going online, outdoors, and door-to-door
- Spark partners with local churches for Burntwood Be A Friend, delivering food, support, and smiles
- Baby Bank and doorstep sensory packs launched
- 2021:
- Spark’s Nature Garden developed
- Wins the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service
- Hosts a community celebration and visit to Buckingham Palace
2022 – 2024
- 2022:
- Mini Spark Crew (children’s social action) launches
- Spark sessions expand to Burntwood Library and Chasetown Football Club
- Helps establish “Warmer Welcome” spaces across the town
- 2023:
- SPLAT lone parent group and Twins Group begin
- National and local media feature Spark’s role during the cost of living crisis
- 2024:
- Health clinics return
- Spark improves SEND accessibility
- Book Club and festival outreach grow
Looking Ahead: A Spark That Keeps Growing
As we step into our next chapter, Spark remains committed to delivering high-quality support and joyful experiences for families. Thanks to renewed National Lottery Community Funding, we’re excited to grow our Bright Beginnings – Grow & Thrive project for another five years.
Our centres offer:
- Health and wellbeing support
- Stay and play groups
- Volunteering and training opportunities
- Community events and activities
…and so much more.
Spark is more than a place – it’s a community. A place where parents support each other, friendships are made, and children feel safe, stimulated, and loved.
Join Us
Burntwood is a fantastic place – with a proud legacy, beautiful green spaces like Chasewater, and a get-it-done community spirit. That’s what makes Spark thrive.
We’re powered by community, so come along, get involved, and help us keep that Spark alive.
Whether you want to attend a session, volunteer, or just say hello – you’re always welcome at Spark.
Here’s to the next 10 years!