Cabinet will be asked to approve the site selection for Best Start in Life Family Hub by January 2026as determined by the DfE Family Hubs Development Grant

Report Title: Site Selection for a Family Hub

Presented by: Councillor Oscar Ford, Lead Member for Children and Young People

Cabinet:

Agreed a recommendation to select St Kilda’s Children’s Centre in Romford as the main Family Hub for phase one of the programme with satellite hubs at Ingrebourne Children’s Centre and MyPlace Youth and Community Centre, both in the Harold Hill area, in order to ensure sufficient reach and delivery across the breadth of the offer.

Following a review of local data, service and demand needs within the Borough, this recommendation is based on St. Kilda’s central location, accessibility, existing infrastructure, and high service usage. The site meets the criteria set by the DfE and offers opportunities to expand our existing services and partnerships.

Cabinet agreed to the proposal that, alongside St Kilda’s as the main Family Hub, Ingrebourne Children’s Centre and MyPlace Youth and Community Centre, both in the Harold Hill area, are utilised as satellite family hubs during this initial phase to ensure sufficient reach and delivery across the breadth of the offer.

Cabinet agreed to the recommendation that the sites for service delivery remain under frequent review to ensure that maximum potential reach is being achieved and that all appropriate community venues are being utilised.