Hillingdon Council in Greater London has agreed to introduce new arrangements for the delivery of its children's centre programme.
The council will assume management of all children's centres in Hillingdon from 1 April 2017 and says it will adopt a new children's centre delivery model known as a “hub and spoke”, which has been implemented by other local authorities.
The new children's centre programme will be organised in order to manage and develop services in five localities – services in each locality will be co-ordinated by one of five lead centres, delivering provision through 11 linked sites as part of a wider network of family support.
The reorganisation of the children's centres programme will allow the council to continue to deliver invaluable services to families in Hillingdon and is intended to ensure a more consistent, flexible and efficient use of staff and public resources.
Cabinet Member for Children's Services, Councillor David Simmonds, said:
“We have listened to feedback and considered the views of residents, staff and families following a recent public consultation and petition hearing.
“The council's Cabinet has made the decision to implement the recognised 'hub and spoke' children's centre programme, to ensure that we deliver a consistent service across the borough.
“Residents have told us that they want flexible and co-ordinated family support – and this new way of working will allow children's centre staff to help those residents who are most in need of our support.
“Once all children's centre employees have been transferred to the management of Hillingdon Council, we will refine the model with a view to implementing the new model over coming months.”
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