Issue - meetings

This paper sets out proposals to consult with staff and service users on the development of a sustainable model for the borough’s children’s centres provision to be implemented from September 2015.  The aim of this process would be to retain and current service levels, while improving outputs and outcomes for 0 to 5 year olds while delivering efficiency savings. 

that officers commence a programme of consultation and engagement with service users, staff and other stakeholders, reporting back to Cabinet in January 2015 with proposals for a sustainable model of delivery for the children’s centres.

The report from the Strategic Director Children and Young People set out proposals to consult with staff and service users on the development of a sustainable model for the borough’s children’s centre provision to be implemented from September 2015.  The aim of this process would be to retain and current service levels, while improving outputs and outcomes for 0 to 5 year olds while delivering efficiency savings.  Councillor Moher (Lead Member, Children and Young People) in introducing the report, paid tribute to the role of children centres in supporting many parents and carers. Proposals now before the Cabinet involved a new model of delivery while maintaining responsibility.

In discussion, members referred to the increased opportunity for public health involvement and increased partnership working with school nurses within the environment. With the consent of the Chair, former councillor Helga Gladbaum addressed the meeting and expressed concern at accounts of staff shortages at children centres, pressure of work and sickness absence. She reminded the Cabinet of the contribution children’s centres made in increasing employment and urged the council to identify additional sources of funding in service areas engaged in similar work. Helga Gladbaum also referred the need for children’s centres to reach out and offer services to those communities most in need of support, in particular newly arrived families, often hindered by language barriers.

Councillor Butt (Chair, Leader of the Council) paid tribute to the ability of children’s centres to operate despite the severe financial restrictions on the council and the need to find a unique delivery model to allow support for children and parents to continue.

RESOLVED:

that officers commence a programme of consultation and engagement with service users, staff and other stakeholders, reporting back to Cabinet in January 2015 with proposals for a sustainable model of delivery for the children’s centres.