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Manchester councillors debate future of early years provision

1 min read Early Years
Manchester councillors are set to debate proposals for the city's early years service, which will keep all children's centres open and increase the outreach service, but gradually close council-run daycare services.

The final decision on the future of early years services in Manchester will be made on the 15 February following a three-month consultation that involved 8,000 face-to-face meetings and 4,000 written responses.

Under the proposals, as well as providing Sure Start services, children’s centres will become "community hubs" offering services to people of all ages.

GPs, midwives, health visitors and other agencies will work together to build on pilot outreach schemes in the city.

However, the council will gradually stop providing childcare services for under-fives when it is satisfied that sufficient high-quality and affordable childcare is available in the city.

Mike Livingstone, Manchester’s director of children's services, said: "Our analysis shows there is already enough good quality and affordable daycare provision across the city being provided by the private, voluntary and independent sector, so over time we will no longer need to provide it ourselves.

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