Contact: Tracey Sanders, 01962 813887, [email protected]

1 Summary

1.1 The following decision is sought:

a) That the Executive Lead Member for Children's Services approves arrangements for the delivery of the Children's Centre Project and receives regular updates, including a final report on the future governance arrangements.

b) That the Executive Lead Member agrees to the principles guiding the possible reduction of Centres within the Phase 2 Project (Appendix 4) and considers a review of six Centres within the Capital programme for Phase 2 as outlined in Option 2 (Appendix 3). This option whilst reducing the number of Phase 2 Children's Centres will continue as planned, ensures that services continue to be delivered to children and families within each district.


2 Reason

2.1 This decision supports the following Hampshire County Council priority:

"Making Hampshire safer and more secure for all" - Children's Centres will have clear safeguarding processes in place and will also promote the safety of children through its work with parents.

"Maximising well-being" - Children's Centres make provision to support the personal, social and emotional development of children (0-5 years) and also provide emotional support opportunities for parents

"Enhancing our quality of place" - Children's Centres provide integrated services delivered within local communities.

2.2 The decision supports the following Aims of the Children Act:

Stay Healthy

Children's Centres will provide a vehicle for health initiatives such as cessation of smoking, health eating, diet advice, ante-natal and post-natal support for parents.

Be Safe

Children's Centres will provide parent support on child safety issues.

Enjoy and Achieve

Childcare delivered through Children's Centres will enable children to enjoy and achieve. Work with parents through Children's Centres will also help parents to take an active role in this area.



Make a Positive Contribution Children's Centres will promote community well being through a variety of activities/support. In particular, parents will be empowered to be fully involved in the planning and development of services delivered through Children's Centres.

Achieve Economic Well Being

Children's Centres will be a vehicle to support low or no income families secure skills and qualifications, which enable them to enter the workforce.

3 Other Options considered and rejected:

3.1 To deliver 52 Children's Centres by March 2008. This option is not financially viable.

3.2 To reduce the programme by more than six Centres. This is an option which may need considering as the development of Phase 2 evolves. However, indications at this stage suggest that a deletion of six Projects will maintain a balance between financial viability and ensuring that communities continue to receive services planned under Phase 2 of the Project.

4 Conflicts of Interest declared by the decision maker or other Executive Member consulted

4.1 None.

5 Dispensation granted by the Standards Committee -

5.1 None

Approved by: Date:

........................................

Councillor Felicity Hindson MBE

Executive Lead Member for Children's Services