On 5^th February 2019 Executive gave approval to commence formal consultation into the future use of 41 Children Centre buildings across the District. This decision followed a review into the potential future use of these buildings in order to identify the potential opportunities to make savings that could sustain the additional two year funding provided for the newly formed 0-19 years Prevention and Early Help service

The Consultation process took place from 12^th February 2019 until 7^th May 2019.

Following the consultation process an opportunity was identified which would not only make savings for the Prevention and Early Help service but would also continue to enable services to be provided to meet local need, whilst also increasing additional specialist places for children with SEND.

Therefore, the report of the Interim Strategic Director Children’s Services (Document “A”)is being brought ahead of the planned 9^th July 2019 Executive as an urgent decision is required to meet the timescales involved to implement the proposals and complete the building work to meet the September 2019 pupil admission date. The Children’s Centres concerned are:

·         Canterbury Children’s Centre based within Canterbury Nursery School

·         Crossley Hall Children’s Centre which is a standalone building based within the     grounds of Crossley Hall Primary school

·         Princeville Children’s Centre which is a standalone building based within the grounds of Princeville Primary School

A further report will be brought to the Executive on 9^th July 2019 in relation to the remaining 38 Children Centres.

Recommended -

(1)       That in respect of Canterbury Children’s Centre  the reduction in          the      space currently defined as the Children’s Centre be     approved in order to  create a delivery site that will also support         the Districts SEND Sufficiency Strategy.

(2)       That in respect of Crossley Hall Children’s Centre  the closure  ofthe Children’s Centre on this site be approved to support the Districts SEND Sufficiency Strategy noting that Prevention & Early Help   Services are provided within the area which will meet the local need for families and young children.

(3)       That in respect of Princeville Children’s Centre  the closure of the Children’s Centre           on this site be approved to support the Districts SEND Sufficiency Strategy noting that Prevention & Early Help Services are provided within the area which will meet          the local need for families and young children.

(4)       That in accordance with paragraph 8.7.4 of Part 3E of the constitution, resolutions 10.1, 10.2 and 10.3 above are not subject to call-in as the matter is urgent for the reasons set out in paragraph 1.7; as any delay which may result from calling-in the decision may be prejudicial to the interests of the Council’s ability to undertake the necessary building work required to create the additional SEND places in time for the September 2019 pupil intake.

(5)       That the Interim Strategic Director in consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Education, Employment and Skills be requested to review and monitor the expenditure involved in implementing the resolutions in paragraphs 10.1.,  10.2 and 10.3 above.

(Children’s Services Overview & Scrutiny Committee)

                                                (Gillian Mayfield – 01274 431943)

On 5^th February 2019 Executive gave approval to commence formal consultation into the future use of 41 Children Centre buildings across the District. This decision followed a review into the possible future use of these buildings in order to identify the potential opportunities to make savings that could sustain the additional two year funding provided for the newly formed 0-19 years Prevention and Early Help service

The Consultation process took place from 12^th February 2019 until 7^th May 2019.  Following the consultation process an opportunity was identified which would not only make savings for the Prevention and Early Help service but would also continue to enable services to be provided to meet local need, whilst also increasing additional specialist places for children with SEND.

Therefore, the report of the Interim Strategic Director Children’s Services (Document “A”)was being brought ahead of the planned 9^th July 2019 Executive as an urgent decision was required to meet the timescales involved to implement the proposals and complete the building work to meet the September 2019 pupil admission date. The Children’s Centres concerned were:

·         Canterbury Children’s Centre based within Canterbury Nursery School

·         Crossley Hall Children’s Centre which was a standalone building based within the grounds of Crossley Hall Primary school

·         Princeville Children’s Centre which was a standalone building based within the grounds of Princeville Primary School

A further report would be brought to the Executive on 9^th July 2019 in relation to the remaining 38 Children Centres.

The Education, Employment and Skills portfolio holder emphasised that the proposals would result in a better use of the buildings and provide additional specialist places for children with SEND for September 2019.

Resolved -

(1)       That in respect of Canterbury Children’s Centre the reduction in           the space currently defined as the Children’s Centre be approved          in order to create a delivery site that will also support the District’s SEND Sufficiency Strategy.

(2)       That in respect of Crossley Hall Children’s Centre the closure of the Children’s Centre on this site be approved to support the District’s SEND Sufficiency Strategy noting that Prevention & Early Help   Services are provided within the area which will meet the local need for families and young children.

(3)       That in respect of Princeville Children’s Centre the closure of the Children’s Centre            on this site be approved to support the District’s SEND Sufficiency Strategy noting that Prevention & Early Help Services are provided within the area which will meet the local need for families and young children.

(4)       That in accordance with paragraph 8.7.4 of Part 3E of the constitution, resolutions (1) (2) and (3) above are not subject to call-in as the matter is urgent for the reasons set out in paragraph 1.7 of Document “A”; as any delay which may result from calling-in the decision may be prejudicial to the interests of the Council’s ability to undertake the necessary building work required to create the additional SEND places in time for the September 2019 pupil intake.

(5)       That the Interim Strategic Director in consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Education, Employment and Skills be requested to review and monitor the expenditure involved in implementing the resolutions in paragraphs (1), (2) and (3) above.

ACTION: Interim Strategic Director Children’s Services

(Children’s Services Overview & Scrutiny Committee)