Decision details

Mel Ormesher, Head of Asset Management, Kathy Ashworth, Senior Manager, Wellbeing, Prevention and Early Help and Andrew Good, Head of Service Financial Management, were welcomed to the meeting to provide further detail on the outcomes to the County Council's Property Strategy for children's centres across Lancashire following the decision originally taken by Cabinet on the 8 September and endorsed on the 26 September 2016.

The following information was reported to the Committee:

·  Going forward there would be 53 children's centres with seven linked centres.

·  Meetings were taking place regarding the transition.

·  Work with Schools Forum to look at impact on schools finances on a school by school basis.

·  The service delivery detail will inform the conversations with schools.

·  Outreach support will be provided from Neighbourhood Centres to more rural/sparse areas and were reported to be building in capacity to outreach services to assist with this

Members of the Committee were invited to comment and raise questions and a summary of the discussion is set out below:

Concerns were raised in relation to outreach services and it was acknowledged that services would no longer have the capacity to operate the same level of provision.  However, it was confirmed that it would be a more targeted service to those families in more need of help and support.

Members highlighted the need for councillors to be well informed to support communities through these changes and were assured that information would be made available particularly around who they can signpost to for further advice and guidance.

In relation to children's centres currently based on a school site, it was reported that talks were taking place with the schools to identify potential property use.  In addition, it was confirmed that childcare providers would be supported through the Estates Service to negotiate the lease arrangements.  All of this work will take place on a case by case basis.

It was confirmed that public transport was considered in relation to proximity to bus stop and train stations for accessibility to children's centres.

The Committee were advised that there continued to be multi-agency commitment through the Continuum of Need (CoN) pathways which identifies those families requiring support.  The Wellbeing, Prevention and Early Help Service responds to Level 2 requests for support through the CoN.  Members were assured that there were well embedded assessment and processes in place with a comprehensive step up/step down arrangement.

Resolved: That the report and comments from the Committee be noted.