Agenda item

Councillor Smith introduced the item and gave a brief overview of the paper, outlining progress with the Best Start of Life programme and the roll-out of Family Hubs, including the development of a flagship hub within a ward. It was acknowledged that delivery had taken longer than originally anticipated.

Collette Radcliffe provided further detail on the programme, confirming a £2.1m investment into Family Hubs, which will continue over the funding period. She explained that ambitious targets had been set by the Department for Education, particularly around improving outcomes at primary school level and achieving a nine-point increase in school readiness. A three-year plan has been developed in response to these targets. Delivery will take place across five neighbourhoods, using a number of buildings and meeting the requirement for 70% outreach. Contractors at Chesham Fold are on site, with hubs expected to open within the next couple of months. Services will include health and safety support for families, delivery from the Prestwich hub, and use of Early Years Centre buildings. Early years sessions will be increased through four funding strands focused on learning, home learning and parenting, alongside an expansion of Portage services.

Councillor Farooq raised concerns about limited space within existing buildings and asked how this would be managed. Officers explained that the model is based on strong outreach, with plans to use community venues, preschool playgroups and other local spaces rather than relying solely on hub buildings. Councillor Smith added that historic constraints around estates and capital had limited development, but emphasised the importance of working with partners and community assets such as parks, church halls and other shared spaces, with Family Hubs acting as a point of access and direction rather than a single physical location.

Councillor Farooq asked whether community groups had been engaged in the planning process. Ben Dunne responded that getting the model right was key, stressing outreach, creativity in using existing spaces, and co-design with schools. He noted that stronger engagement with schools could provide additional opportunities to use space once the model is embedded. Jeanette Richards added that over the last 18 months delivery had been scaled up, with good examples of community engagement and a solution-focused approach. She noted that additional funding would allow further scaling up and more meaningful engagement with community groups while meeting outreach requirements.

Councillor Ryder queried the £2m funding over three years and asked about a specific funding strand that had not been received and was being challenged at a Greater Manchester level. Councillor Smith advised that it was unclear why this strand had not been secured, and Collette Radcliffe confirmed that the issue is being considered at a GMCA level. It was agreed that further clarification would be provided.

Councillor Lancaster asked how Family Hubs would be advertised to residents and how clarity would be provided on what services are available, particularly to ensure consistent communication across stakeholders. Jeanette Richards explained that the funding formula is linked to different streams over the three-year period, allowing delivery of services, capital investment and commissioning of parenting support. Funding is also being used to provide tools to support learning at home, with grant funding flowing down across longer-term plans. Officers noted that work is ongoing to improve communications, and that midwives based in the Radcliffe hubs are already helping to promote awareness of available services.

Councillor Arif welcomed the service and support at Redvales and asked how provision would be sustained once current funding ends. Councillor Smith responded that there is a clear intention to maintain the offer through a five-year plan, drawing on different funding streams and aligning with the Government’s 10-year strategy and neighbourhood working. He acknowledged the complexity of reforms and the challenges posed by short-term funding settlements, but stressed the importance of avoiding duplication and ensuring early years support is sustainable.

Joanne Burns asked how Family Hubs would link with education, Portage, CAMHS and paediatric services, and whether there would be opportunities to engage parents through schools and after-school settings. Councillor Smith highlighted the importance of continuous support throughout a child’s journey. Ben Dunne added that transition points are critical, with joined-up working between nurseries, early years settings and primary schools being central to meeting targets and ensuring Family Hubs support families once children start school. Joanne Burns further asked about opportunities to link with Good Level of Development (GLD) work and improve communication between schools and hubs.

Members discussed lessons learned from existing hubs, including Redvales and Chesham Fold, with a focus on understanding community needs, effective outreach, and ensuring spaces are fit for purpose. The importance of governance arrangements that include the voice of the community was highlighted, to ensure services remain inclusive and responsive.

In closing, the Chair summarised the discussion, noting member support for the Family Hub model and highlighting key themes raised: reassurance around funding, clarification of the GMCA funding issue, long-term sustainability, effective communication with residents and stakeholders, and the importance of Portage, education links and outreach. An action was noted to clarify the funding strand not received and report back to Members.

It was Agreed:

·       The update be noted