Suffolk currently operates 29 family hubs (17 full-time and 12 part-time). These will be renamed under the Government plans as Best Start Family Hubs.
The proposals would increase the number of locations where families can access support, from the current network of 29 family hubs to a wider network of 50 hub and community sites across Suffolk.
The plans form part of the Government’s Best Start Family Hubs and Healthy Babies Programme, which aims to give children the best possible start in life by making support, advice and services easier for families to access.
It is supported by more than £6.5million funding from the Department for Education.
The proposals have been developed following an assessment of local need, levels of deprivation, child development outcomes, access to services and the suitability of existing buildings against Department for Education requirements.
Under the new model, families would receive support in their communities through 17 Best Start Family Hub Sites and 33 Best Start Network Sites. The 17 hub sites will be in fixed buildings and operate full-time hours, and the network sites will use existing community assets, such as 23 libraries across Suffolk, and operate on part-time hours.
Councillor Simon Aalders, Suffolk County Council’s Cabinet Member for Children and Young People, said:
“We know from other parts of the country that family hubs work best when they are close to home and offer a range of services under one roof.
“Under this proposed model, parents and carers can come to one place and get everything they need.
“One of the things I especially welcome in this approach is the use of libraries. We all recognise libraries as being at the heart of our communities and this proposal will only serve to strengthen their offer. Already trusted and accessible community assets, they are well placed to play an important role within the Best Start Family network.
“This administration’s key priority is making sure that children get the best possible start in life, and this proposal enables us to reach families earlier so worries do not escalate.”
On Thursday 15 October, Suffolk County Council’s Cabinet will be asked to approve the launch of a statutory consultation on the new Best Start proposals, which will run for six weeks. This is to ensure that views are fully considered before final proposals are developed.
Final approval of the plan will then be sought from Cabinet early next year.
Under the Childcare Act 2006, the council must carry out a consultation before making decisions that could result in significant changes to designated Children’s Centre services or buildings.
In particular, the consultation relates to proposed changes affecting 32 sites that were previously designated Children’s Centres. Proposals for these sites include:
- 17 buildings becoming Best Start Family Hubs
- 3 buildings becoming Best Start Network Sites
- 6 buildings to be explored for early years/childcare use
- 2 buildings to be explored for SEND/education use
- 4 buildings to cease delivering a family hub offer, with services moving to alternative community venues
If approved at Cabinet, the consultation will go live after October 15.
