CYP Now - Call for action to arrest decline in number of children’s centres

As evidence emerges of the true extent of children’s centres closures, early years experts say that a shift from open-access to targeted provision and skeleton sites are “hollowing out” services for children and families.

Children’s centres can deliver individualised services in areas that feel left behind. Picture: Oksix/Adobe Stock

As councils finalise their spending plans for the coming year, for many areas it signals a new wave of cuts and closures to children’s centres services.

In February, Suffolk Council announced plans to close at least 11 centres, Nottinghamshire Council approved three closures and an “outstanding”-rated centre in Calderdale also learnt it is to shut.

With many councils still to finalise budgets, and local government funding pressures showing no sign of easing, the likelihood is that more children’s centres will face closure or cuts in the coming weeks.

Decade of decline

The bleak outlook follows the publication of Department for Education figures that show the number of children’s centres open in England fell by a third between April 2010 and January 2020 (see graphics).

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