New Arrangements For Bradford's Children’s Centre Services

Wednesday, 27 July 2016 13:00

New management arrangements for children’s centre services in three areas of the Bradford District will come into effect on 1 August.

The three areas, or ‘clusters’, that will see the change are the BD5 area of the district, East Bradford, and South Bradford. The new arrangements follow a thorough procurement process which took place in April. The management arrangements for these three clusters will be as follows:

The BD5 cluster:

The Cluster will be run by the charity Barnardo’s who will manage children’s centre services at the following locations: Woodroyd Nursery and Children’s Centre, Burnett Fields Children and Family Centre and Canterbury Nursery School and Centre for Children and Families’.

The East Bradford cluster:

The cluster will be run by Action for Children Services Ltd, who will manage the children’s centres services at the following locations: Barkerend Children's Centre, Communityworks, Fagley Children's Centre, Gateway Children's Centre, Mortimer House Children's Centre and Parkland Children's Centre.

The South Bradford cluster:

The Cluster will be run by Bradford Council who will manage children’s centre services at the following locations: Bierley Children’s Centre, Holme Wood Children’s Centre, Reevy Hill Children’s Centre, Tyersal Children’s Centre, Victoria Hall Children’s Centre, Woodside Children’s Centre and Wyke Children’s Centre.

The changes only apply to children’s centre services. They do not apply to other services delivered at buildings where children’s centre services are located.

The changes complete the district-wide reorganisation of children’s centre services. Services have been brought together into seven areas or ‘clusters’. This means, it is hoped, that the management of each cluster can be more streamlined so it can focus on delivering services families need at a local level. It has also meant that the Council is on target to make the required annual savings of £3.38m from the reorganisation.

Four other areas of the district have already implemented new arrangements. These areas are the Keighley cluster, the Airedale and Wharfedale cluster, the West Bradford cluster and the Lister Park cluster.

The new arrangements will see midwives, health visitors working closely with children’s centre staff so that pregnant women and families with young children receive a seamless service from pre-birth to school.

The early years offer will continue to be available to all families, with additional support available for families who qualify for it, such as two-year-old early education places.

The Early Years Offer includes

The Family Links antenatal programme: an 8 week course for pregnant women and their partners to prepare for birth and parenthood
Birth visit including breast feeding support within the first month
A home safety visit at 3 – 4 months
Weaning advice
Early language development session (6 months of age)
Developmental movement and play session
Early language development session (18 months)
A development review at two-and-a-half years
Access to a free early education place in the term after their child’s third birthday
Free Book Start packs
Access to information through the Families Information Service

Coun Imran Khan, Portfolio Holder for Education, Employment and Skills, said: "Both Barnardo’s and Action for Children are organisations with huge experience in delivering excellent services for families and children. We are looking forward to working with them so we can build on the good practice we already have in these clusters and continue to deliver the services local families need.”

More from Local and National News

Appeal After Burglary

Police are appealing for witnesses after a burglary at a property in Bradford.
Have your say and help to build stronger communities in Calderdale

People in Calderdale are being asked to share their thoughts about how they feel connected to their local neighbourhood and the wider Calderdale area
Bradford to mark the 80th anniversary of D-Day

Bradford City Hall is to be lit up in red, white, and blue on Thursday 6 June to mark the 80th anniversary of D-Day.
New bridge and new routes now open as project progresses

The new link road on the A629 south of Halifax is now open, as part of work to improve the flow of traffic and make it easier to walk, cycle or take public transport.
City presents Windrush pioneer with prestigious Leeds Award

one of the nation’s last surviving HMT Empire Windrush passengers and the city’s only remaining Caribbean Second World War serviceman received the Leeds Award in a ceremony at the Civic Hall.
More Than 10,000 Arrests Made By Team Dedicated To Reducing Violent Crime

A specialist team working to reduce violent crime has started a New Year by passing a new milestone after making more than 10,000 arrests.
Plate expectations as historic registration could be up for sale

A unique gift exchanged by two former Lord Mayors of Leeds more than 120 years ago could be about to help the city with unprecedented budget challenges.
Calderdale: Celebrating over 350 years of service at Council

Fourteen Calderdale Council employees have been recognised for a combined total of over 350 years of service at an event at Halifax Town Hall on Thursday 26 October.
Activists who caused £100,000 worth of damage sentenced

A group of activists who caused £100,000 worth of damage to a service station on the M25 has been sentenced at Lewes Crown Court on Friday (27 October)
Appeal Following Collision and Death of Man in Otley, Leeds

Police are appealing for witnesses to a collision in Leeds in which a man later died.
Vehicle involved in fly tipping across West and North Yorkshire seized by Bradford Council

A vehicle involved in multiple incidences of fly tipping across West and North Yorkshire has been seized by Bradford Council.
Anti-social behaviour funding boost in Clitheroe, Colne and Darwen

As part of the county-wide crackdown on anti-social behaviour (ASB) Lancashire Constabulary and Police and Crime Commissioner Andrew Snowden have announced a further eight areas set to benefit from additional resources to tackle anti-social behaviour (ASB) in Lancashire.