Just to keep everyone up to date, this is the letter that has been sent to parents and local residents about a proposed children’s centre at Downhall School:
Schools, Children and Families Directorate
Early Years and Childcare
c/o Greenshoots
Basildon Adult Community College
Ely Way
Basildon
SS14 2EQ
Tel: 01268 820229
Fax: 01268 289528
Our Ref:
Your Ref:
Date: 8th June 2009Dear Parent/ member of the local community,
Proposed development of a Sure Start Children?s Centre at Down Hall Primary School, Brooklyn Drive, Rayleigh, Essex SS9 9 LW
Essex County Council is proposing to develop a children?s centre on the site of Down Hall Primary School.
What are Sure Start Children’s Centres?
Children?s centres are service hubs where children under five years old and their families can receive seamless integrated services and information. By 2010, every community will be served by a Sure Start Children?s Centre, offering permanent universal provision across the country, ensuring that every child gets the best start in life.
These services vary according to centre but may include:
? Support for parents – including advice on parenting, local childcare options and access to specialist services for families.
? Child and family health services – ranging from health screening, health visitor services to breast-feeding support.
? Helping parents into work – with links to the local Jobcentre Plus and training.
? Integrated early education and childcare
The Government?s vision, set out most recently in the Children?s Plan, is that every child and young person should have the opportunity to fulfill their potential. Sure Start is at the forefront of transforming the way services are delivered for young children and their families.
I would like to invite you to a consultation event, to show you the plans we have prepared that show the possible siting, design and layout of the children?s centre. Officers from Essex County Council and the architectural design team will be on hand to discuss the proposals. It is an opportunity for you; the parents and local residents to view the proposals ask any questions and give us your views.
The Consultation event will be held at, Down Hall Primary School on the 13th July, 2009, from 3.pm to 7.pm.
Following the consultation, all relevant concerns will be reviewed and if feasible, the plans will be amended accordingly before a building planning application for the children?s centre is submitted.
I hope that you will able to join us at the consultation event on the 13th July 2009. If you have any questions in the meantime, or are unable to attend, please do not hesitate to contact me on sue.roberts@essex.gov.uk. Phone ? 01268 820229
Yours sincerely
Sue Roberts
Children?s Community Development Officer