Decision details

Our aim is to ensure the sustainability of Children’s Centres’ services for the communities of Harrow whilst also addressing the Council’s budget pressures

RESOLVED:  That

(1)               the outcome of the Children’s Centre consultation be noted;

(2)               subject to the overall Council budget approval at full Council in February 2015, Option 3 be approved as the preferred future model, namely:

-            to retain 2 Children’s Centres at Cedars and Hillview that fulfilled the statutory definition of Children’s Centres;

-            operate 8 “delivery sites” that would continue to offer access to some of the early childhood services on behalf of the two children’s centres; 

-            close St. Josephs Children’s Centre;

-            close Whitefriars Children’s Centre merging the services with Cedars and retaining Whitefriars as a delivery site;

-            close Kenmore Park Children’s Centre and merge services with Hillview retaining Kenmore Park as a delivery site;

-            close Rayners Lane, Earlsmead, Vaughan, Roxbourne and The Pinner Centre Children’s Centres as delivery sites;

-            retain The Pinner Centre building as a community resource building.

Reason for Decision:   To ensure the sustainability of Children’s Centres services for the communities of Harrow within a reduced budget, whilst also addressing the Council’s budget pressures. Option 3 would allow for the possibility of community-run projects, potentially offering the following: greater opportunities for reaching those most in need of support, sustaining and increasing places for 2, 3 and 4 year olds, a space for the Harrow Preschool Language Unit to rent, social enterprise opportunities and expenses for the Pinner Centre building, with potential to support Health and PVI Services to continue.

Alternative Options Considered and Rejected:  As set out in the report.

Conflict of Interest relating to the matter declared by Cabinet Member/ Dispensation Granted:  None.