A decision was made by Hillingdon Council yesterday to introduce new arrangements for the delivery of its children’s centre programme.

The council will adopt a new children’s centre delivery model known as a ‘hub and spoke’ which has been implemented by many local authorities.

The new children’s centre programme will be organised in order to manage and develop services in five localities.

Services in each locality will be coordinated by one of five lead centres, delivering provision through 11 linked sites as part of a wider network of family support.

Cllr David Simmonds, Cabinet Member for Children’s Services, said: “We have listened to feedback and considered the views of residents, staff and families following a recent public consultation and petition hearing.

“The council's Cabinet has made the decision to implement the recognised ‘hub and spoke’ children’s centre programme to ensure that we deliver a consistent service across the borough.

“Residents have told us that they want flexible and coordinated family support, and this new way of working will allow children’s centre staff to help those residents who are most in need of our support.

Once all children’s centre employees have been transferred to the management of Hillingdon Council, we will refine the model with a view to implementing the new model over coming months.”

In direct response to concerns raised by residents during the consultation process, the council has reconsidered the proposed hub centres.

The original proposed hub for the north of the borough in South Ruislip has now been revised with Harefield as the designated hub.

As planned, the council will assume management of all children’s centres in Hillingdon from 1 April 2017.

Further updates will be available at a later date at: www.hillingdon.gov.uk/news