Page 18 - link magazine

New, for single Children’s centres cuts to be explained at
parents consultation meetings in September
A Gingerbread Group is being organ- As the Prime Minister proclaims family friendly policies are at the heart
ised by single mum Aga with help of government, austerity measures imposed by central government on
from the West Swindon Family Centre. Swindon Council are forcing it to look at reducing the £2.1 million cost of
According to statistics there are running children’s centres by around 37 per cent, as part of its programme
over 100 single parents with under 5s to slash overall spending from April 2015 by £18 million.
living in Freshbrook, many more older
children and the wider West Swindon Councillors want to hear
area are included. views on how to save £770,000
The group will meet for the first time by combining, closing or
at Freshbrook Community Centre in repurposing children’s centres
mid-September. across the town, on top of a cut
For details about joining contact of £380,000 from April 2014
Mike Smith on 01793 871303 or: Mike. which saw children’s centres
[email protected] close or amalgamated.
The proposals include:
• Making West Swindon
Family Project and Butterflies
Children’s Centre, covering
North Swindon, into ‘multi-
generational family centres,’
operating with just 66 per cent
of existing budgets for up to two years als. The full list of dates can be found
with a view they raise money and aim at: swindon.gov.uk/childrenscentres
to reduce the need for council fund- Specifically, West Swindon Family
ing; Centre is organising a meeting on
• De-commissioning Butterflies, Thursday 18 September, 10.30am to
West Swindon, Salt Way in Mid- 12.30pm, at Freshbrook Community
dleleaze, Ladybirds Highworth, Centre;
Eldene, Croft, and Robert Le Kyng Butterflies is holding meetings on:
as children’s centres, leading to their Monday 22 September, 9.30am to
de-registration by Ofsted; 11am, Abbey Meads Primary School;
• Leaving centres at Penhill & Wednesday 24 September,
Salt Way Children’s Centre Pinehurst, Moredon, Drove, Gorse 10.30am to 12noon, Greenmeadow
Pearl Road, Middleleaze Hill (the Supercluster) and Parks & Centre, Pen Close;
Swindon SN5 5TD Walcot East unchanged. Tuesday 30 September, 10.30am to
Tel: 01793 465364 In September a series of consulta- 12noon - Oakhurst/Redhouse venue
www.childrenssociety.org.uk/saltwaycc tion meetings organised by borough to be confirmed. Call Butterflies on
officers and children’s centre workers 01793 722984.
New Thursday Sessions at Salt Way CC will explain why the council is reduc-
Volunteer led Stay and Play Sessions ing funding and how the centres could What will be the human costs
Beginning 11th September be run as a result. of cutting children’s centres?
9.45am - 11.30am, term time only These are open meetings for par- asks Juliet Platt. Read her
Check out our website: ents, carers, partners and profession- article at bit.ly/swindoncin
www.childrenssociety.org.uk/saltwaycc
We now have a facebook page. Photos at the Butterflies
Check this out at: www.facebook.com/swindonchildsoc Children’s Centre summer
teddy bears picnic

LittLe Foxes ChiLdCare
& eduCation
FOR CHILDREN AND THEIR PARENTS
Established 1986
The Common, Brinkworth, Wilts
Tel: 01666 510356
Just a 15 minute drive from West Swindon & Priory Vale on B4042
l An independent family run nursery offering quality care and education within a safe,
secure, stimulating environment for all babies and children from 0-5 and an out of
school club for children aged 5-11 years
l Open: Monday to Friday, 7.30am-6.30pm, 51 weeks of the year
l Full, part time and term time places. Government funding for
3-5 year olds Correction
l High staff to child ratios with qualified and experienced teaching
staff and nursery nurses The August front page headline stated Shaw Ridge Primary School was the
l Nutritious 3 course meals, hydro pool, multi sensory room, first winner of the schools young carers award. In fact the school has reached
school hall with gym apparatus, secure gardens, mini bus for trips out and about
the first of 3 award standards and 9 schools have already achieved it.
18 swindonlink.com • September 2014

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