The Strategic Director Children’s Services will submit a report (Document “CB”) which presents the background, model, approach and benefits of an all age Early Help and Prevention hub at the TFD Centre in Holme Wood. As part of a developing District wide approach across sectors and partners the hub will help build capacity within communities to prevent problems arising, support children, young people, families and adults sooner, and reduce the demand for more costly interventions at a later date. These changes are taking place against the backdrop of the Covid-19 pandemic and significant reductions in public spending.
Recommended –
That Executive approve the project and incorporate the financial implications within the capital programme subject to PAG agreeing the capital investment.
Overview and Scrutiny Committee: Children’s Services
Lisa Brett Phone: (01274) 431610 |
(Lisa Brett - 01274 431610)
Minutes:
The Strategic Director Children’s Services submitted a report (Document “CB”) which presented the background, model, approach and benefits of an all age Early Help and Prevention hub at the TFD Centre in Holme Wood. As part of a developing District wide approach across sectors and partners the hub would help build capacity within communities to prevent problems arising, support children, young people, families and adults sooner, and reduce the demand for more costly interventions at a later date. These changes were taking place against the backdrop of the Covid-19 pandemic and significant reductions in public spending.
It was explained that the proposed plan was to develop the TFD Centre in
Holme Wood, Bradford South in to an Early Help and Prevention all age hub.
There is commitment and support from Children’ Services, Adult Services,
Libraries, Neighbourhood Service, Voluntary Sector, adults and children
Disability Service’s and Health providers to co-locate into the newly developed
Hub. The proposed Hub would become the new South Area office for the LA
parenting and family support services whilst accommodating Youth and
Neighbourhood Services staff and co-locating members from the Bradford &
District Care Trust currently based at Holme Wood Health Centre. A
dedicated Medical room will be a base for Midwives and Health Visitors. The
centre has capacity for 44 desks of which all have been accounted for by the
services listed above. The proposals would retain the sports facilities, library
and a café area would be created with a view to establishing a fully
operational community café to increase community cohesion.
Holme Wood Children Centre would still remain a delivery site. Holme Wood
Children Centre is leased to BHT Early Learning and training. BHT Early
Learning and training is charitable organisation that offers childcare and group
based activities e.g. Baby Massage, Stay and Play. They offer full day care
and 2/3 year offer places. This offer would remain in place as it is a valuable
resource to the families in Holmewood.
A Ward member was present at the meeting and in welcoming the proposals,
suggested that officers work closely with the Ward Councillors on
the details and delivery of the Hub going forward.
The Leader of the Conservative Group was present at the meeting and stated
that although he welcomed the proposal, other development opportunities had
failed to gain planning permission because it was in contravention of the
Holme Wood and Tong Neighbourhood Development Plan, and he urged that
private developers should also be assisted.
In response the Leader stated that as an Executive they could not comment
on planning matters, which was a quasi judicial function of the Council.
The Childrens and Families Portfolio Holder in welcoming the investment
stated that this would give a significant boost to our early help offer and it was
therefore:
Resolved –
That the Executive approves the project and incorporates the financial implications within the capital programme, subject to PAG agreeing the capital investment.
ACTION: Strategic Director Children’s Services
Overview and Scrutiny Committee: Children’s Services
Supporting documents: