Children’s
Centres Phase 3 Roll out in Reading
Tilehurst Globe – Feb 2008
At the start of November 07 all Local Authorities have been
asked to develop a third phase of Children’s Centres (CC’s). This third phase
of CC’s targets has been estimated on Child benefit data, as per phase 2, based
on serving around 800 children under 5. However 3rd phase guidance
gives scope to service smaller areas of 600 or larger (more affluent areas) of
1200.
The government target for Reading is to establish 4 centres to
meet the needs of 2896 children under 5. Looking at the gaps in current
provision in Reading to establish these 3rd Phase programmes the
focus should be on:
Area of Reading
|
# Children
|
# Centres
|
North Reading area – outside of Caversham
Ward
|
1312
|
1 or 2
|
Tilehurst area
|
603
|
1
|
Redlands/ Park Ward Area
– East Reading
|
508
|
1
|
|
2423
|
|
All these areas
do not have any areas of deprivation, which affects the government’s
expectations on the model of delivery for the programme – these are called 70%
programmes.
70% Children’s Centres programme offer:
Developed from existing maintained, private,
voluntary or community provision with additional services being added to
meet identified local needs.
Provide
a minimum range of services including:
·
support and outreach services to
parents/carers and children
·
information
and advice to parents/carers
- support
to childminders via a coordinated network
·
drop-in
sessions for children and parent/carers
·
links to Jobcentre Plus services,
·
access
to antenatal care and support,
·
provide
access to the Child Health Promotion Programme
Planning Third Phase Programmes
Guidance and experience of establishing
programmes to date suggests that 2 steps should be followed:
1.
Establish
a steering group/ advisory board with key local partners
2.
Consult
with local children and their families and complete a audit of statistical need
and services available
Therefore in Tilehurst our ambition would be to
accommodate this programme on the Park Lane development. We would expect the leadership
of the programme to be through Blargrave Nursery School, although it is
critical to ensure that there is a good link to Park Lane Primary School. This
needs further exploration and clarity.
Proposed Action to be achieved by March 2009:
·
Organise
wider Stakeholder meeting to build local consensus to move forward with the
programme.
·
Organise
an audit of current services available in the area
·
Organise
a consultation with local families to discuss needs and potential service
delivery options.
·
Write
a service plan that outlines the services to be delivered to reach designation
as a 3rd Phase Children’s Centre by 2010.
For more
information visit:
www.surestart.gov.uk
Or read
government guidance, found at:
Andy Fitton
0118
939 0900 ext 4688
andy.fitton@reading.gov.uk