Nursery World - Half of all children's centres in Essex to close

Following a two-year consultation, Essex County Council has decided to close 38 of its 75 children's centres.

Currently there are 36 ‘main’ children's centres and 38 ‘delivery sites' across the county.

Following a consultation into the future running of children’s centres, a decision has been made by Essex County Council to close 38 children's centres before April, leaving just 37 centres.

The council’s consultation into the future of well-being and family support took place between 15 February - 10 April last year. A review was then undertaken on where families access services, how current buildings are being used, and areas where more services should be delivered.

Of the remaining settings, 12 will be turned into ‘family hubs’, one in each district, managed by Barnardo’s in partnership with Virgin Care, as reported by Nursery World in December. These centres will be supported by 25 ‘family hub delivery sites’, along with a number of ‘local, outreach sites’ - locations could include libraries and existing community buildings.

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