As part of a Kent County Council cost cutting drive five children's centre plans have been scrapped entirely. These were due to be built at Biddenden, Bearsted, Sevenoaks, Malling and Gravesend.
Plans to build a further five, in Wye, Ashford, Maidstone, Tonbridge and Tunbridge Wells, have been downgraded. These will no longer involve new buildings and instead make use of existing community facilities.
The council estimates the proposed changes could save £3.8m.
Kent already has 72 children's centres and still plans to create 25 more, according to Sarah Hohler, the council's children, families and education cabinet member.
Hohler added: "These will be created in the areas where they are needed most. We are getting better value for money by using existing facilities, reducing the number of new-build projects.
Register Now to Continue Reading
Thank you for visiting Children & Young People Now and making use of our archive of more than 60,000 expert features, topics hubs, case studies and policy updates. Why not register today and enjoy the following great benefits:
What's Included
-
Free access to 4 subscriber-only articles per month
-
Email newsletter providing advice and guidance across the sector
Already have an account? Sign in here