Lead Member – Councillor N Bardsley – Portfolio Holder for Children and Young People

Report of the Director of Children’s Services

Contact: Karen Bradshaw  Tel: 01743 254201

1.         That the location and establishment of 7 Early Help Family bases and the withdrawal of services in 20 Children’s Centres buildings, as set out in section 7 of this report, be agreed.

2.         That Shropshire Council ceases the delivery of universal stay and play provision but supports the delivery of universal stay and play by other appropriate means, including through alternative providers e.g. schools, day care providers, Pre-School Learning Alliance and the community through parent and carer volunteers. 

The Portfolio Holder for Children and Young People presented a report from the Director of Children’s Services seeking approval for the locations of early help bases and the closure/de-designation of children’s centres. 

In response to comments made by Members, the Portfolio Holder provided assurances that the consultation process had been very thorough and drop-in sessions and workshops had been well attended by Councillors, Directors, families, stakeholders and staff.  The Portfolio Holder reiterated the point that some centres were running sessions that were very poorly attended.  The proposed new delivery model would be focused on children and families that most needed help.

In response to a question, the Portfolio Holder added that the centres proposed for the withdrawal of services would be used by schools and nurseries to expand their current provision and it was unlikely that any of them would be left empty.

RESOLVED:

1.           That the location and establishment of 7 Early Help Family bases and the withdrawal of services in 20 Children’s Centres buildings, as set out in section 7 of this report, be agreed.

2.                       That Shropshire Council ceases the delivery of universal stay and play provision but supports the delivery of universal stay and play by other appropriate means, including through alternative providers e.g. schools, day care providers, Pre-School Learning Alliance and the community through parent and carer volunteers.