Croydon Council has launched a consultation on its proposals for the future delivery model of children’s centres in the borough.
A survey is live on the council website asking for residents’ feedback on plans to focus the service around a new children’s centre model based on three hubs and outreach known as spokes.
The proposal would mean one main children’s centre hub in the north of the borough, one in central Croydon and another in the south, with each delivering a full programme of services.
Each area’s hub would have two smaller centres nearby, or spokes, based on where there is the most need and transport links to deliver additional outreach support.
Under these new proposals, health visits for young children and their parents to midwives and health visitors would continue to be delivered from children’s centres.
It is proposed that the borough’s northern hub would be Kensington Avenue children’s centre in Norbury, with spokes at Winterbourne in Thornton Heath and PIP House in Upper Norwood.
In the central Croydon area, the main children’s centre would be Selhurst, with spokes at Aerodrome in Waddon and Crosfield (Malling Close) in Woodside.
In the south, Woodlands children’s centre in South Croydon ward would be the main hub, with spokes at Fairchildes in New Addington and Byron in Coulsdon.
The proposal would close Shirley children’s centre and re-designate Purley Oaks children’s centre to an outreach centre. Local families would also be able to receive outreach support near home via other community-run buildings and their new local children’s centre main hub.
“Supporting children and families, particularly our families who require the greatest level of support, is at the heart of what this council does and it remains a priority.
“We have incorporated some suggestions from earlier discussions with centre managers and delivery staff and we have come up with a proposal designed to continue this valued service while also making necessary budget savings.
“This consultation is all about hearing directly from residents to ensure that we are able to reshape the service in a way that meets their needs. The feedback we get will shape our proposal before a final decision in the summer, so it’s important we hear from as many local people as possible.”
Councillor Alisa Flemming, cabinet member for children, young people and learning
To respond to the consultation, visit the council website before midnight on 13 June. For a hard copy of the survey, or in other formats or languages, call 020 8760 5453.
