Agenda item

Approved the establishment of a Family Hub model of delivery from the Council's retained children's centres at Penn Road, Romsey Close and Chalvey Grove Children’s Centres.

The Lead Member for Education & Children's Services introduced a report on the family hub model to support families from conception to the age of 19, or 25 for young people with special education needs and disabilities (SEND).

The report followed the decision of Cabinet in May 2023 to consolidate children’s centres with wider functions in three centres (Penn Road, Romsey Close and Chalvey Grove) and early years education only in the other two retained centres (Yew Tree Road and Monksfield Way).  The family hub model would provide a single point of access to integrated family support services for early help.  They would build on the legacy of Slough’s established children’s centres and further strengthen outcomes for children and young people which could help reduce longer term dependency on statutory services.  The model was aligned with emerging national approach to children’s social care with services shifting into local community-based multi-disciplinary teams.

Lead Members welcomed the development of the model to strengthen engagement and working with families most in need of support.  Questions were asked about cost and how effectiveness would be measured.  The Executive Director, People (Children) highlighted that the report set out the principles and approach for the family hub model and that it would be delivered within the best value ethos.  Future decisions on provision would come back to Cabinet and clearly set out the costs at that stage.

After due consideration the recommendation was approved.

Resolved –  That the establishment of a Family Hub model of delivery from the Council's retained children's centres at Penn Road, Romsey Close and Chalvey Grove Children’s Centres be approved.