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 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 between 12^th February 2019 and 7th May 2019.

An extraordinary report was brought to the 9^th June 2019 Executive in respect of 3 of the 41 Children’s Centres which required an urgent decision ahead of this report.

The Interim Strategic Director Children’s Services will submit a report (Document “N”) which seeks approval from the Executive for recommendations based on the outcome of the consultation for 38 of the 41 Children Centres.

Recommended –

(1)       That the Executive agree to Option 1 regarding the proposals for the future use of all 38 Children’s Centres as set out in table 2.14 to Document “N”. 

(2)       That the Strategic Director for Children’s Services progresses the proposal to develop the TFD Centre, Holmewood, an All Age Integrated Family Hub and that a full options appraisal is brought to a future Executive for consideration.

(3)       That following approval of the recommendations set out above in paragraph 2.14 to Document “N” against each of the individual premises, the Strategic Director Children’s Services in consultation with the Portfolio Holder be given delegated authority to execute all necessary contractual and supporting documents needed to effect the proposals.

(4)       That where formal confirmation has not been received from the Department for Education (DfE) before the Executive meeting in relation to potential claw back in relation to the following premises

            Mortimer House, Thornbury,

            Victoria Hall Queensbury

            Lowfold, Keighley

            that a decision on these premises be deferred until a response has been received from the DfE . Where confirmation is subsequently received from the DfE that no claw back will apply to these premises and that the Strategic Director Children’s Services in consultation with the Portfolio Holder be given delegated authority to determine the proposals in relation to these premises.    

Overview and Scrutiny Committee: Children’s Services

(Gillian Mayfield - 07816 071943)

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 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 between 12^th February 2019 and 7th May 2019.

A report was presented to the Executive on 9 June 2019 in respect of 3 of the 41 Children’s Centres which required an urgent decision ahead of the report to this meeting.

The Interim Strategic Director Children’s Services submitted a report (Document “N”) which sought approval from the Executive for recommendations based on the outcome of the consultation for 38 of the 41 Children Centres.

The Strategic Director reported that changes had been made to the proposals as a result of the consultation, in response to community and other representation.  It was stressed that this was a sustainable way of delivering services with the best use of resources going forward.  Confirmation had been received from the Department for Education since the report was written, that there would be no claw back in relation to the 3 centres which would cease to be used.

A member attended the meeting and supported the principle of spending money on services rather than buildings and thanked officers for the consultation.  She noted that the consultation document included an intention to provide a minimum of 8 hours per week at delivery sites but that had not been included in Document “N” and asked what assurance could be given for the future.  In response it was noted that there was a need to deliver 8 hours of early help in all areas but that it would not all come from  Council funding.  Hubs would ensure community delivery for example in midwifery.  The Leader added that as Sure Start funding no longer existed services had to be delivered in partnership with other agencies.

The Education, Employment and Skills Portfolio Holder added that there would be more settings in the voluntary sector on an ad hoc basis, that it would not be possible to commit to 8 hours per week and that services would be provided as and when needed.

 A Ward Councillor attended the meeting and spoke in support of the proposed All Age Community Hub based at the TFD Centre Holmewood. 

The Education, Employment and Skills Portfolio Holder referred to the wide and meaningful consultation and noted that responses had been taken into consideraton.  He commended the proposal for the TFD Centre Holmewood. 

Resolved –

(1)       That Option 1 regarding the proposals for the future use of all 38 Children’s Centres as set out in table 2.14 to Document “N” be agreed. 

(2)       That the Strategic Director for Children’s Services progresses the proposal to develop the TFD Centre, Holmewood, an All Age Integrated Family Hub and that a full options appraisal is brought to a future Executive for consideration.

(3)       That following approval of the recommendations set out above in paragraph 2.14 to Document “N” against each of the individual premises, the Strategic Director Children’s Services in consultation with the Portfolio Holder be given delegated authority to execute all necessary contractual and supporting documents needed to effect the proposals.

ACTION: Strategic Director Children’s Services

Overview and Scrutiny Committee: Children’s Services