John Baron MP urges people to respond to Sure Start Children’s Centre consultation

MP says have your say on future of centres

Essex County Council is currently consulting on changes to Sure Start Children’s Centres in Essex. John Baron MP has today urged people to respond to the consultation to ensure their views are heard. The consultation runs from 15th February until 10th April.

John said:

“The County Council is proposing significant changes to Sure Start Children’s Centres in the Essex area including closing a number locally. I have reservations and am investigating but it is important that service users have their say and respond to the consultation.”

Notes to Editors

You can respond to the Council’s consultation here: http://surveys.essexinsight.org.uk/childrenscentresconsultation2016
Or by attending a consultation event for families:
• Friday 18 March, 2pm – 4pm, Chetwoood Children’s Centre, Shirebourne Vale, Off Gandalf’s Rise, South Woodham Ferrers, CM3 5ZX
• Monday 21 March, 10am – 12pm, Harwich Library, Kingsway, Harwich, CO12 3JT
• Monday 21 March, 4pm – 6pm, Brambles Children’s Centre, Epping Library, St John’s Road, Epping, CM16 5DN
• Tuesday 22 March, 6:30pm – 8:30pm, Clacton Library, Station Road, Clacton, CO15 1SF
• Wednesday 23 March, 3:30pm – 5:30pm, Children’s Centre in Maldon Library
• Tuesday 29 March, 3:30pm – 5:30pm, Sunnyside Children’s Centre, Rosebay Ave, Billericay, CM12 0GH
• Friday 1 April, 2pm – 4pm, Chelmsford Central Children’s Centre, Chelmsford Library, Market Road, Chelmsford, CM11LH
• Wednesday 6 April, Canvey Library, 2 High Street, Canvey Island, SS8 7RB
Children’s centres provide a range of services for families and others caring for children under five. Each centre is different and offers services suited to the needs of local families. These include:
• family support and outreach services
• information and advice on childcare and early learning
• health services
• links to Jobcentre Plus
• support for childminders