Burnham-On-Sea’s Octopus Centre will not close under proposals being prepared for consultation by Somerset County Council, the authority has reiterated this week.
Following a debate in Parliament this week where the centres’ future was discussed, the Council has stated its position on the future of Children’s Centre Services across Somerset.
“There are no proposals to close any of the Children’s Centres in Somerset. Every community that currently has Children’s Centre activities will continue to have them. They will be provided through the current children’s centre buildings and other suitable local venues,” said council spokesman Peter Elliott.
Children’s centre services are currently provided in around 180 locations, of which 41 are formally ‘designated’ children’s centres. Original proposals included the de-designation of 18 Children’s Centres, including Burnham’s Octopus Centre.
The Council is reviewing and restructuring services so they are used by more parents and families, and to ensure support is focussed where it’s most needed.
“A decision has already been made to reduce management, admin and building costs, which currently account for more than half of the entire Children’s Centre budget. This restructure includes investment in an estimated 30 FTE extra frontline staff,” added the spokesman.
“No decisions have been made about these individual centres and, as promised by the Cabinet Member in November, none will be made until individual consultations have taken place.”
“The consultations will not be about ending Children’s Centre Services or closing buildings. They will be about the best ways of providing the services in these communities.”
“Whatever the outcomes of these consultations, services will continue to be provided in the communities where they are found now, through the current children’s centre buildings and other suitable local venues.”
“Details of proposals and how people can have their say are still be finalised. The aim is that some of the consultations will start at the end of this month. The Council will publicise how parents and anyone else with an interest can have their say.”
