Decision details

In light of the current situation regarding the COVID-19 pandemic, we are seeking approval of the below proposals in order to maintain a reasonable and safe service delivery. This is during a time when staffing numbers are reduced to illness or self-isolation and fewer children and families are accessing services for the same reasons.

-       Temporarily close Chippenham Road Children’s Centre and Hilldene Children’s Centre for a period of six weeks from Monday 23^rd March. This is to be reviewed in line with government and public health guidance in four weeks (Monday 20^th April) to determine if the closure period should be extended or ceased.

-       Retain the option of closing Rainham Village Children’s Centre, if the staffing complement is reduced to such levels that it is no longer possible to keep the centre open. The time period for closure will be determined at the time of decision making, but is not likely to be less than four weeks.

-       Maintain service delivery from the remaining five children’s centres (Collier Row, Ingrebourne (Harold Hill), Elm Park and St Kilda’s (Romford). This will enable us to carry on delivering core services for targeted families in key areas of the borough, as well as provide alternative venue space for other key services (such as education provision) if required. 

-       Face to face targeted services to be replaced by telephone and/or video call contact, as outlined below and in attached supporting document.

-       Temporarily close MyPlace Youth and Community Centre for a period of six weeks from Monday 23^rd March. This is to be reviewed in line with government and public health guidance in four weeks (Monday 20^th April) to determine if the closure period should be extended or ceased. This will enable the redeployment of Youth Service Workers to support vulnerable and at risk children, young people and families. 

-       Contact will be made with the corporate communications team to ensure that the public are made aware of any closures and provided with details of how and where to contact the children’s centre team if needed.