For Cabinet to be informed of the findings from the children centre services consultation and agree a course of action to determine the future delivery model.

THAT:

(a)  taking account of the views expressed through the consultation, a ‘mixed market’ model of children centre services delivery be adopted;

(b)  the core purpose specification for services for families with young children be developed through the forthcoming root & branch review using the results of this consultation; and

(c)   a south city children’s centre is re-designated to a nursery to meet increased demand, and the Director for People’s Services be delegated authority to determine which centre is re-designated taking account of the outcome of ongoing feasibility work.

These recommendations are the result of the findings of a detailed consultation, which will enable the council to fulfil its duty to provide children centre services within the budget available, and in a way which best meets service user needs. It takes into consideration the current government thinking around the delivery of the core purpose and future statutory guidance due later this year.

1      It is a statutory requirement to provide children centre services; however the delivery model is a matter for local determination. 

2      The provision of additional nursery places could be left to the local market to respond to; however demand based on provision for 3-4 year olds already exceeds supply and it is therefore unlikely that an increase in demand will be met.

Under the compact agreement a 12 week consultation will be undertaken between January and March 2012