Plans to replace eight Rugby children's centres with three '˜family hubs'

Children's services in Rugby are under threat as the county council is consulting on plans to replace eight centres with '˜family hubs'.
Ed Balls visited Claremont Children's Centre in 2009 as the Secretary of State for Children, Schools and Families, accompanied by former Rugby MP Andy KingEd Balls visited Claremont Children's Centre in 2009 as the Secretary of State for Children, Schools and Families, accompanied by former Rugby MP Andy King
Ed Balls visited Claremont Children's Centre in 2009 as the Secretary of State for Children, Schools and Families, accompanied by former Rugby MP Andy King

Warwickshire County Council will be launching a consultation on the future of children’s centres across the county as it looks to cut costs.

Of the 39 children’s centres in Warwickshire, 12 could remain as family or community hubs offering reduced services – with Rugby borough’s eight centres going down to three hubs.

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The current proposal suggests having one hub in Brownsover with the other two decided through the consultation with ‘outreach delivery sites’ where they are most needed.

Around 40 jobs could be under threat if the plans go ahead, as the council tries to deliver services after cutting the children’s centres budget by £1.18m in February.

Council leader Cllr Izzi Seccombe said: “The proposals being put forward to reshape our services for 0-5 year olds were part of the budget process voted for by council in February.

“We were clear that we are not looking to stop services for children and families.

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“This is an opportunity to look at how we provide the right services throughout Warwickshire that meet the needs of our residents.

“The proposals look at evolving 12 of the 39 centres into family hubs to offer direct targeted support at locations where we have identified the greatest level of need.

“If we do not make change, we are in danger of diluting the offer where the need is greatest.”

Rugby borough’s eight children’s centres are: Newbold Riverside Children’s Centre, Claremont Children’s Centre, Boughton Leigh Children’s Centre, Hillmorton Children’s Centre, Cawston Children’s Centre, Wolston Library and Children’s Centre, Dunchurch and District Children’s Centre and Oakfield Children’s Centre.

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Family hubs would provide a range of services including childcare and early learning, parental support and education, financial wellbeing, and healthcare.

Liberal Democrat group leader Cllr Jerry Roodhouse said he will do what he can to make sure Rugby gets its fair share.

“I am urging everyone to engage with the consultation which goes on for 11 weeks,” he said.

“Change is coming due to the reduced funding cuts still hitting local government.

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“I will be working to ensure Rugby gets a fair deal for family hubs the acid test is to see family support workers increased in the community to help support those in need.”

The Labour Party has been contacted for comment.

Similar plans have been implemented by councils across the country to widespread opposition, famously in Oxfordshire where former Prime Minister David Cameron’s mother complained about the proposals.

The 11-week consultation will begin next Monday (June 26), ending on September 8.

To read the cabinet documents from the meeting on Thursday (June 15), click here.

What do you think of the proposal? Send your thoughts to [email protected], comment below or tweet us @rugbyadv.