Under-threes lose out in £1m savings drive

DAYCARE for under-threes will be phased out at two children’s centres as council bosses continue their quest for £1 million savings.

Maltby’s Stepping Stones and Rotherham Central at Ferham will see provision for the youngest children come to an end.

Rotherham Borough Council insists that there is low demand at both but promised their services for two-to-five-year-olds will be bolstered.

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There were more than 750 responses to the proposals from staff and service users—and the consultation process brought familiar criticism of the council.

What do you think of the cuts? Use the write a comment buttons to post your views.

One parent said: “The consultation has been significantly limited in the issues it consults on.

“It seeks very limited responses to three questions about child care for under-twos and only one question about the provision of care for children whose parents pay.

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“No questions have been posed about whether people would prefer a restriction in other services provided, like family learning, help to stop smoking and breast feeding support.”

Another added: “This questionnaire is ridiculous. How can people comment on those centres not in their learning community?”

One member of staff said that they had only discovered the consultation by chance, adding: “Why have I not been informed? Not very impressed with this.”

Nearly £1 million needs to be saved from children’s centres in total—a 15 per cent drop in funding.

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More than three-quarters of this has already been achieved through efficiency measures like slashing the wage bill.

A council spokesman defended the eight-week consultation process, insisting that people’s views were taken on board.

He added: “We have looked at each area across the borough to find the solution that is right for that community.

“We’re now continuing discussions to confirm the management and operational arrangements for the new structure.

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“We have made a range of savings in other elements of Early Years support, as well as within Children’s Centres which have given us an overall saving of £947,864.

The bulk of this has been made up by previous efficiency changes to Children’s Centres and non-recruitment to posts.

“While we have to be realistic about the funding available we are committed to working with our local communities to ensure that childcare and family support meets their needs to give our children the best possible start in life.”

Earlier this year councillors committed to keeping all 22 centres open but recommended that some be downgraded to “satellites” with fewer services.

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