Children's Centre FAQs

Overview

1. What is the purpose of the public consultation?

The consultation aims to gather views on changing the use of council-owned buildings to improve access to and uptake of support services for families. The goal is to make better use of these buildings and offer increased information and support to more families.

2. Will any services be discontinued as a result of these changes?

No services will be discontinued, all services currently available through children’s centres will continue. However, some services may be delivered from different venues. Ultimately, there will be more services available to more families

3. What are Family Hubs?

Family Hubs are a new initiative aimed at providing support to families with children and young people across all age ranges (0 to 25). They will offer information and services through both physical Hub buildings and an online platform. Family Hub - Dorset Council

4. How will the changes affect the current children’s centres?

Some children’s centres will offer increased support as part of the Family Hub network. In some cases services currently delivered in children’s centres may in future be accessed from different venues. Where this is the case, families have already been notified. Some children’s centres may be developed to offer more early education childcare places.

5. What is the role of the Department for Education (DfE) in this initiative?

Dorset Council is working with the DfE to develop and deliver the Family Hub approach. once plans are decided, the council will formally notify the DfE of the changes to some children’s centres.

6. How will the changes benefit families?

The changes aim to provide better services, make it easier for families to find the help they need, and ensure that support is available when needed. This will be achieved through a network of Family Hub buildings and outreach points offering increased services to families.

7. What is childcare sufficiency, and why is it important?

Childcare sufficiency means having enough childcare places for all children who need them, including nurseries, childminders, and after-school clubs. It helps parents work or study and ensures children get a good start in life by learning and playing in a safe environment.

8. What are the government’s new plans for childcare?

The government plans to offer more free childcare hours, starting with 15 hours for 2-year-olds from April 2024 and 30 hours for children from 9 months old by September 2025. This plan aims to help over 150,000 children get free childcare.

9. How will the Family Hub network be developed?

The Family Hub network will include main buildings and linked outreach points such as community centres and libraries. This approach will enable information and help for families to be delivered close to home and support better coordination among service providers.

10. How can families provide feedback on the proposed changes?

Families can share their thoughts by completing the online survey or picking up a copy from their local children’s centre.