Local democracy

Agenda item

THE TFD CENTRE EARLY HELP AND PREVENTION ALL AGE HUB

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: