Archived decisions
CHILDREN'S CENTRES IN HAMPSHIRE
On 18 July 2007 the Executive Member for Policy and Resources approved the design project appraisal for the development of 38 children's centres, at an estimated total cost of £18.7m.
The 38 centres are part of phase two of the County Council's children's centre programme which will see a total of 53 centres created in addition to the seven provided under phase one.
Of the 53 centres in phase two, 44 involve construction work with six of these projects already having been approved and now either complete, under construction or in the procurement stage.
To ensure value for money and a consistent high quality approach to design, procurement and construction, the 32 centres being designed by the County Council's Architects have been grouped together into one programme of work (the other six are being undertaken by third parties). The programme follows a similar approach to the recently completed Enhance nursing home projects which saw ten new homes built across the county and seven residential homes refurbished as part of one programme of work delivered by three framework contractors working in collaboration with the County Council's design team.
There are two kinds of children's centres, a full core offer model and a graduated model. The full core centres will be located within the 35 per cent most disadvantaged areas. The centre has to be open 5 days a week, 10 hours a day, 48 weeks a year as well as providing the following services, as a minimum:
_ Child and family health services
_ Family support and parental outreach services;
_ Integrated education and care for children from birth;
_ Links with Jobcentre Plus.
The graduated model will cover the 65 per cent most advantaged. The centre has to be open to meet the needs of the community as well as providing the following services, as a minimum:
_ Child and family health services to those identified in need
_ Family support and parental outreach services;
_ Drop-in sessions e.g. stay and play;
_ Links with Jobcentre Plus.
Wherever possible both models of centres will be developed from existing maintained private, voluntary or community pre school provision, with additional services being added to meet identified local needs.
The children's centres will be provided either through new build provision or adaptation of existing spaces. Works are expected to start on site in the first locations in December 2007, with a series of completions between March and September next year.
These proposals will maximise wellbeing, enhance the quality of place and make Hampshire safer and more secure for all by providing children's centre facilities in areas of need.