Nursery World - Children's centres under threat across the country

Children’s centres in a number of local authorities are being faced with closure and cuts to their services as councils see their budgets slashed.

In Swindon, the council has confirmed it is to close seven of its 12 centres in April 2015.

The following centres will be de-commissioned - Eldene, Croft, Butterflies (pictured), Ladybird, Saltway, Robert le Kyng and West Swindon.

They will be replaced by ‘multi-generational family centres’ in Swindon town centre and West Swindon, which will be free of Ofsted control.

The five children’s centres managed by 4Children will continue to operate as normal. The charity took over the running of the centres in May.

In Manchester, Trafford council is proposing to cease running four of its children’s centres in Old Trafford, Sale, Altrincham and Urmston.

Under the proposals, outlined in its consultation, Trafford Council is considering leasing or transferring the buildings to the voluntary and community sector or local groups.

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