This report seeks approval for an additional
refurbishment of Alexandra Childrens Centre,
This report seeks approval for an additional refurbishment of
Alexandra Childrens Centre, which would be delivered by way of a
further call off with E Smith & Son off under Lot 14 (Minor
Works - Building Repairs / Maintenance / New Build / Extensions /
Refurbishment) of the Construction and Highways Works and Services
Framework Agreement (CHWSF). This will ensure the transformation
(upgrade and refurbishment) of Alexandra Childrens Centre. If
approved, and that Oldham’s Family Hubs programme will be
able to deliver services in welcoming, safe, and secure
spaces.
The implementation of a Family Hub will require adapting existing
buildings, improving accessibility, and enabling multi-agency
working, which could include IT upgrades, signage, improving
building space, new furniture to ensure suitability for older
children, and new equipment to support the co-location of the start
for life workforce, such as desks, phone systems and sinks or
specialist flooring for clinical use by midwives or health
visitors.
According to the DfE requirements, Family Hubs buildings should be
welcoming, safe, and secure spaces. Additionally, they should
have:
• A designated welcoming, safe and secure breastfeeding space
for mothers to breastfeed and meet other breastfeeding
parents.
• A designated welcoming, safe and secure space where parents
can speak to practitioners, volunteers, or other peer supporters
about their wellbeing and mental health.
Decision type: Non-key
Decision status: Recommendations Approved
Notice of proposed decision first published: 06/08/2024
Decision due: 17 Jul 2024 by Director of Education and Early Years
Contact: Rachel Peterson, Learning Support Apprentice Email: schoolsandsettingsworktray@oldham.gov.uk Email: rachel.peterson@oldham.gov.uk.
Consultation process
According to the DfE requirements, funding
should be used to strengthen working in partnership to deliver
Family Hubs activities/services and outcomes as well as to improve
buildings.
Oldham’s Family Hubs Programme is aimed at ensuring that
every Family Hub has a welcoming space where children, young
people, and carers feel comfortable to receive the support they
need. Oldham Council aims to transform a further Children’s
Centre into a Family Hub by August 2024 (following the successful
launch of 6 Hubs since July 2023). Currently, the remaining
Children’s Centres are perceived as centres for children
between 0 and 5 years of age, and to make sure these centres are
really welcoming and perceived as open for children of different
ages, they will need to be furnished, and their indoor and outdoor
spaces will need to be enhanced so parents and young people feel
comfortable coming to the Hubs to receive the support they
need.
Additionally, some buildings will need to be redecorated so they
feel stigma free, and family centred, as well as, having sensory
spaces so families and children with SEND will have enriched
environments where children can play, learn and grow while
improving families’ relationships and children's well-being.
Oldham Council’s allocation from the National Government
Family Hubs and Start for Life Programme can be used to fund the
proposed works and services.