The next step towards integrating services for children, young people and families the county takes place next month (1 April) when the three-year contracts begin for organisations awarded tenders for delivery of children’s centres.
Following a national tendering process for £19 million of services, the county council awarded contracts to deliver services at children's centres to Barnardos, Howgill Family Centre, Milnthorpe Community Playgroup and NCH.
Children’s centres build on proven good practice to deliver improved and more closely targeted access to services and professionals for 0-19 year-olds and their families and carers. They do this in partnership with other organisations, and are essentially 'one stop shops' for parents.
The new contracts will ensure that across Cumbria there is the right amount and type of provision that the Government has tasked local authorities with establishing. They will also help the council in its commitment to improving the life chances and wellbeing of the county's children and young people.
Partnership work with the Primary Care Trust, Jobcentre Plus, childcare providers and other voluntary organisations will allow children's centres to pool funding and avoid the unnecessary duplication of services.
Kevin Jones, the county council's Head of Service, Partnership and Prevention, said:
"The new service contracts for Cumbria takes forward what has been learned from the existing children’s centres in Cumbria. They also build in additional features where appropriate to improve even further the futures of children and their families in Cumbria.
"The county council and its partners have ensured a transparent and fair process for all parties involved.
"The main aim is to make sure that all vulnerable children across the county, wherever they live, are able to access the support they need."
Councillor Jim Buchanan is the Cabinet member for Children’s Wellbeing. He said:
"We really appreciate the work that the current children’s centres are doing, and the new providers will ensure that they build upon these solid foundations to continue giving the best possible life chances for children, young people and their families."
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Further information from Alison Lister, Media Team, on 01228 606335
Note
Children's centres have been developed as 'one stop shops' for parents - a place where they can get help and information on services in their local area for both themselves and their children. The services they offer include:
- good quality early learning combined with day care
- child and family health services
- family support services
- a base for a childminder network
- links with Jobcentre Plus to support parents/carers who are considering training or employment
- drop in sessions and other activities for children and carers.
The county's children's centres will emsure that Cumbria is fulfilling the requirementsof the Children Act (2004) and are at the heart of the Government's 'Every Child Matters' strategy. More information is at http://www.everychildmatters.gov.uk/ (external link)
Contracts have been awarded as follows:
- Barnardos - Allerdale: North Allerdale, West Allerdale; Carlisle: Carlisle South, Carlisle West, Longtown, Carlisle North, Brampton; Eden: Middle Eden, Kirby Stephen, North Eden (Alston); South Lakeland: Lakes, Kendal, Sedbergh & Kirkby Lonsdale
- NCH - Allerdale: Workington, Keswick, Cockermouth;
Barrow: Bram Longstaffe, Hindpool, East Barrow, Dalton-In-Furness; Copeland: Millom; South Lakeland: Ulverston
- Milnthorpe Community Playgroup –South Lakes: Milnthorpe, Grange
- Howgill Family Centre - Copeland: Whitehaven, Egremont, Cleator Moor, Frizington.