The decision to place a marine fish tank in the entrance hall of our new children's centre must be seen by many as quite an odd one. Certainly it didn't always go down well with those seeking to balance the books.
'What is that black thing with the red spot and lots of spikes?' 'Where is Nemo today?' 'Is that really a crab in a snail's shell' - typical questions from our children. How surreal are the five disconnected legs of what was once a whole orange starfish, each one making its way independently up the front of the tank.
Our welcome to new families always centres on the tank. The children spend lots of time watching, fascinated by the antics of the creatures inhabiting the soothing, but almost alien environment. The glass is covered with finger marks and there is often a child sitting on the floor just transfixed by what they are seeing.
Meanwhile the parents are chatting to the centre's administration officer (there's a silly title; she 'meets and greets', coaxes, supports, empowers, shares information, and so and so on). The fish tank provides relaxation in many more ways than we can possibly have imagined. The children are entertained and the parents can concentrate on filling in the inevitable forms without getting cross and frustrated.
Why do we feel that we have to justify providing amenities that would be taken for granted in the budget of any commercial organisation? The wonderful children's centre at Riverside, North Tyneside (winner of last year's prestigious Nursery World award as setting of the year) has the most amazing collection of plants throughout the building. When the original building was planned, someone was thoughtful enough to include a contract to maintain this calming, peaceful display.
How many times do we have to admire the fantastic architecture of upmarket hotels and flash office blocks? The glorious 'hanging gardens' of the DfES and their ilk? Children and families deserve the same.
The new round of children's centres should have the necessary investment to ensure that there is some truth in the phrase 'Every Child Matters'. It's not just about new buildings, it is about believing that children's centres must provide, at the very least, a sustainable welcoming environment as an essential part of a child's life.
Have you found Nemo today?
Pat Wills is head teacher at Claremont Community Primary School and Centre of Excellence, Blackpool