Central Bedfordshire outlines new children's centres plans

In April, a leaked report revealed that the authority had drawn up 10 options for the future delivery of children’s centres provision, including one that would see all centres close.

However, new papers show that the council will hold a public consultation on just four options – all of which would see existing centres stay open, including the current universal model for families with children under five.

The report argues that the government’s offer of 15 hours of free childcare for three- and four-year-olds limits the time children have available to access children’s centres.

As a result, two of the options under consideration would see services aimed at families with children under three – one providing universal access and the other offering targeted support at disadvantaged families.

The final option would see services targeted at vulnerable families with children under five.

Councillor Amanda Dodwell, deputy executive member for children’s services, said the authority will consider feedback collected during the consultation process before any decision is made about future delivery.

She said: “Since we last consulted, the early years landscape has significantly changed, not least with the increasing focus and importance of early help.

“While it would be wrong for us to predict the outcome of our consultation, what is clear is that our children’s centres will continue to play a huge part in helping local families, especially those from more disadvantaged backgrounds, get off to the best possible start in life.

“We are looking forward to hearing what people have to say during the process as we work together to put in place a model that best meets the needs of families in Central Bedfordshire.”

The report will be put before the council’s executive on Tuesday, when it will be asked to approve a public consultation on the plans.

The consultation is expected to start on Wednesday and run until 19 August.

A preferred option for delivery will be put before the council’s executive on 23 September.