Anger at Sure Start centres' funding cut
Published 14 Jan 2012 14:30
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A COMMUNITY worker has expressed disgust at the possibility of Sure Start centres in the Royal Borough closing.
There are currently 13 Sure Start centres for under fives across nine sites in the borough but their future role, in providing early years intervention and support for families, is under threat after government funding was cut.
The council is distributing 2,000 consultation forms to the children's centres with options including mergers, passing management to organisations including voluntary groups and private companies, or reducing the service to only "those who need them most".
Noel Simpson, 35, is a youth worker at Dedworth Manor Community Centre and has an 18-month-old daughter. From working on a day-to-day basis with teenagers who did not receive the kind of early intervention that Sure Start provides, he understands the benefits.
Mr Simpson told The Observer: "I think it is disgusting. Sure Start is a great organisation which is definitely needed.
Growing up as a dyslexic child I know how vital it is to receive support from an early age."
Councillor Kathy Newbound, a Liberal Democrat for the Pinkneys Green Ward, said: "I am very concerned. At the moment, when families are under a lot of pressures, it is really important to give children as good a start as possible.
"The council needs to take an overall view of trying to invest money at the early stages because if they don't problems can occur at a later stage which will cost them more."
Councillor Eileen Quick, cabinet member for children's services, said: "Our children's centres were set up in ways directed by the Sure Start grant funding but that has come to an end and we have the opportunity to take a close look at what we are providing and where.
"In consultation with parents, carers, staff and other partners, we want to plan for services that dovetail with the needs of our residents, especially those who need them most, and in ways that make them even more effective to address our local
needs."
The consultation will also be available online at www.rbwm.gov.uk/web/ed_consultations.htm with the closing date on February 19.
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