Deadline Looms for Consultation on Children's Centre Closures
Council defends proposals as Lib Dems urge opposition
Maples Children's Centre on East Churchfield Road. Picture: Facebook
April 17, 2025
A consultation on proposals by Ealing Council to shut children’s centres across the borough is approaching the deadline for comments.
The so-called ‘Improved Early Help Offer’ which proposes the closure of 12 children’s centres which offer support to young children from prebirth to age 5.
The centres slated for closure are Grove House, Log Cabin, Greenfields, Hathaway, Maples, Petts Hill, Jubilee, Dormers Wells, Northolt Park, Copley, Windmill & Windmill Park Children’s Centres representing more than half of existing provision.
Comments on the proposals can be made up until 27 April.
The Liberal Democrat opposition has been against the plan since it was first announced in January. They say the centres provide critical support to parents including child-care, health visits and nursing, midwifery and mental health services.
They have raised particular concern about provision in Southall where Greenfields, Grove House, Dormers Wells and Windmill Park are situated, meaning that three-quarters of centres in that area could close.
At the March council meeting, the Lib Dems proposed a fully funded budget amendment to keep Southall’s children centres open but it was voted down by Labour and Conservative councillors.
Map showing sites of potential closures in red. Picture: Ealing Green Party/umap
Liberal Democrat Councillor Jonathan Oxley (Education, Children's Services, SEN, Fostering and Looked After Children) says, “Ealing Labour say that want to make it easier for parents to access support for their kids but they’re planning to do the opposite by centralising services at fewer centres. They simply do not understand the challenges parents face when travelling with babies and toddlers and all the equipment - buggies, blankets, nappies, etc - that go with them. We can all see that Labour’s plan to close our children centres is a shameless cost cutting exercise.
“Liberal Democrats say that parents using Southall’s children centres often lead challenging lives, balancing long working hours and cost of living pressures, with the complex needs of their kids. English is often not their first or even second language, and their voice is seldom heard. The Liberal Democrats are standing with them by opposing these closures, while Labour’s Southall Councillors vote to close them down.”
The council dispute that the closures will negatively impact children’s services in the borough.
A spokesperson said, “Ealing Council is seeking resident’s views on the future of Early Help services with the aim of improving services for families with children under 5.
“Ealing currently has 25 children’s centres, more than other boroughs like Barnet or Croydon, despite their larger populations. However, not all families who could benefit from these services are currently using them.
“The consultation aims to gather feedback on the council’s plans to make children’s centres more accessible, flexible, and better tailored to individual needs.
“The council is exploring the option for fewer, but more accessible centres, with extended opening hours and an expanded range of services.
“The council is also considering how to deliver support closer to home through other community spaces, such as libraries and local community centres.
“No decisions have been made at this stage. The consultation is open until 27 April 2025, and all local families and residents are encouraged to take part and share their views.“
A link to more details on the proposals and the consultation survey is on the Ealing Council web site.
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