By John Baron
Senior councillors will meet next week to decide the outcome of a review into the future of Leeds’ children’s centres.
A report to go before the council’s executive board next Wednesday (October 15) says the reorganisation will provide a ‘major refresh’ of the city’s children’s centres.
It says the move will create a more accessible and efficient network, which reaffirms the council’s commitment families will continue to receive high-quality support and services.
Children’s centres facing closure in West Leeds include: Burley Park, Farnley, Farsley/Calverley, and Pudsey. A total of 18 centres would be closed across Leeds.
Historic centres in Hollybush and Kirkstall – where services are not currently provided – would also be among a further six across the city to be de-registered.
The council would continue to provide centralised services at 31 children’s centres to maintain a universal and citywide offer of support for families. In West Leeds these would be at Armley Moor, Bramley, Little London, Horsforth, Swinnow and Hawksworth Wood.
The reorganisation means the council will achieve financial savings of up to £2.45m.
Council chiefs say the decisions follow a detailed assessment based on local needs, building suitability – including whether nearby buildings could accommodate services – and feedback on consultation earlier this year.
While Leeds City Council currently has 55 registered children’s centres, it says many are underused, single-purpose buildings and now exist among a range of other places where families can also access multiple services under one roof.
“The review explored all sites to identify those which would be accessible, well-used, sustainable and cost-effective for the future and has been subject to extensive consultation with families, staff and stakeholders,” a council spokesperson said.
Mirroring national trends, the city is also experiencing falling birth rates, with the numbers of people estimated to access children’s services anticipated to reduce in future years.
The review identified opportunities to offer support from alternative community spaces in locations across Leeds. The proposal which received positive feedback during the consultation, with many respondents stating they were open to accessing services in sites such as libraries, community centres, schools and leisure centres.
Subject to executive board approval, the review proposes to continue operating 31 children’s centres in Leeds – more than any other core city in England. These would be divided into seven groups which align geographically with the seven ‘family hubs’, launched earlier this year, ensuring families receive more consistent, joined-up support on a range of issues.
Councillor Helen Hayden, Leeds City Council’s executive member for children and families, said: “Children’s centres in Leeds play a vital role in supporting families and with 31 proposed to remain, the city will continue to retain more centres than any other core city.
“These proposals will allow us to continue delivering core and targeted support, while modernising services and providing access through co-located provision in trusted community spaces.
“By aligning with our newly-launched family hubs, we’re creating a more joined-up, city-wide network that reflects how families live, work and seek support today.”
WLD first reported back in February that the council was carrying out a review into the future of children’s centres across Leeds.
The proposed changes are to these services and not to any Little Owls nusery provision which might be located on the same site.
- To view the report being considered by the executive board visit Council and democracy (agenda item nine).
