List of 18 Leeds Council-run children’s centres at risk of closure as part of plans to revamp services
Senior councillors in Leeds are set to discuss plans for a major revamp of the city’s children’s centres, including the proposed closure of 18 sites.
Leeds City Council’s executive board will meet on October 15 to consider the outcome of a review into the city’s children’s centres to create a more accessible and efficient network which reaffirms the authority’s commitment that all families, regardless of where they live, continue to receive high-quality support and services.
Subject to approval, the review proposes to continue operating 31 children’s centres in Leeds, with a further 18 sites set for closure. This will come following a detailed assessment based on local needs, building suitability - including whether nearby buildings could accommodate services - and consultation feedback.
Six historic non-operational children’s centres - where services are not currently provided - will also be formally de-registered as part of the review.
Coun Helen Hayden said: “Children’s centres in Leeds play a vital role in supporting families and with 31 proposed to remain, the city will continue to retain more centres than any other core city.
“These proposals will allow us to continue delivering core and targeted support, while modernising services and providing access through co-located provision in trusted community spaces.
“By aligning with our newly-launched family hubs, we’re creating a more joined-up, city-wide network that reflects how families live, work and seek support today.”
Children’s centres deliver services including social and educational groups for pregnant women and parents and carers of children under five, breastfeeding support and baby hubs, guidance around training and employment as well as welfare and financial advice.
The review has identified opportunities to offer support from alternative community spaces in convenient locations across Leeds - a proposal which received positive feedback during the consultation, with many respondents stating they were open to accessing services in sites such as libraries, community centres, schools and leisure centres.
A new funding formula has also been put forward, which ensures prioritised investment and targeted support in areas where families have greatest need. The plans also include combining the continuing face-to-face support with a new and improved digital offer for suitable services - such as recorded workshops and online booking.
The innovative service re-design aims to provide the opportunity for the authority to achieve efficiencies and financial savings of up to £2.45 million.
Children’s centres at risk of closure
- South group one - Cottingley
- South group two - Farnley, Gildersome, Ardsley/Tingley, Villages East
- West group three - Castleton, Quarry Mount, Burley Park
- West group four - Headingley, Pudsey, Farsley/Calverley
- East group six - Parklands, Garforth
- East group seven - Boston Spa, Alwoodley, Roundhay, Chapel Allerton, Manor Wood
Children’s centres set to be de-registered
- South group one - City and Holbeck, Hunslet, Windmill
- South group two - Morley South
- West group three - Hollybush
- West group four - Kirkstall
Children’s centres set to be retained
- South group one - New Bewerley, Two Willows, Middleton
- South group two - Morley North, Rothwell, Lofthouse, Kippax.
- West group three - Armley Moor, Bramley, Little London.
- West group four - Horsforth, Ireland Wood, Swinnow, Hawksworth Wood, Aireborough, Otley
- East group five - Harehills, Gipton North and South, Richmond Hill, Osmondthorpe, Shakespeare
- East group six - Kentmere, Swarcliffe, Seacroft, Meadowfield Temple Newsam & Colton (MTC), Cross Gates and Manston,
- East group seven - Chapeltown, Moortown, Wetherby, Meanwood, Bankside.