Children's Centre set for East Leeds (Leeds Liberal Democrats)

Leeds Liberal Democrats <info@leedslibdems.org.uk>

Children's Centre set for East Leeds

March 15, 2006 11:47 AM

Residents in East End Park will have access to a state of the art children's centre by March 2008. Forming part of the council's city wide Children's Centre Plan, the scheme will improve links between existing service providers in the area whilst offering additional services such as childcare for working parents, home visits and career advice. Burmantofts and Richmond Hill Councillors David Hollingsworth and Richard Brett have welcomed the scheme and have long championed the idea of a single site provision.

Councillor David Hollingsworth (Lib Dem, Burmantofts & Richmond Hill) said, "The promise of improved childcare facilities is a huge boost for area. Such an expansion will bring a raft of benefits and open up new opportunities for families here in East End Park."

Councillor Richard Brett (Lib Dem, Burmantofts & Richmond Hill) commented, "Along with my ward colleagues, I strongly favour the idea of a single site children's centre. By having all the services under one roof the benefits to families, particularly young mums, would be massive. We are aware that there may be issues with parking provision that need to be taken into account before this can happen, but this is undoubtedly an exciting prospect."

Notes to the Editors:

1. At present early years provision (0 to 3 years) is provided at the Doreen Hamilton Early Years Centre on Rookwood Road. Victoria Primary School on Ivy Avenue currently provides facilities for children 3yrs +.

2. Some of the additional services to be provided by the scheme will be

· Integrated early years education and childcare for 0 -5-year-olds

· Childcare for working parents from 8am-6pm

· Visits to all families within two months of a child's birth by an Outreach worker

· Improved facilities such as a Community Room

· Links to job centres and work placements

3. Background to Phase 2 of the Children's Centre Plan:

In April 2005 Leeds received notification of a capital allocation of £6.7 million and a revenue allocation of £7.5 million to develop integrated children's centres for 2006/08, concentrating on development in the super output areas (SOAs) in the 30% most disadvantaged localities on the ODPM index. Phase two Children's Centre guidance was issued in August 2005 and requires Local Authorities to ensure all families living in the 30% most disadvantaged areas, as defined by the ODPM Super Output Areas, will have access to children's centre services by March 2008. This programme will be a key part of the Children and Young People's Plan (CYPP)

The guidance recommends that centres be developed around existing good practice and located where possible on the site of extended Primary Schools. They should promote and facilitate the integration of other providers onto those extended school sites. This should be done on an agreed cluster model, ensuring services are provided across a neighbourhood and improving access for all families

The views in this Press Release are those of the Liberal Democrat Council Group, and not necessarily those of Leeds City Council, its Officers or of the Liberal Democrat Party.