Leeds City Council is proposing a major refresh of its children’s centre network, aiming to reduce the number of centres from 55 to 31. This bold plan, to be discussed on October 15, will group centres into seven geographic clusters linked to family hubs, closing 18 sites to enhance digital services and streamline support across Leeds.
What changes are proposed for the Leeds children’s centre network?
Leeds City Council proposes reducing its children’s centres from 55 to 31, grouping them into seven geographic clusters linked to family hubs. The plan includes closing 18 centres, enhancing digital services, and using community venues to streamline support while improving accessibility and financial sustainability.
Background and Context of the Children’s Centre Review
Leeds City Council has announced that its executive board will meet on October 15 to consider sweeping changes to the city’s children’s centre network. This proposed overhaul aims to modernize services and maintain Leeds’s standing as the major city with the largest network of children’s centres in England, outside London. The review comes as part of the council’s ongoing commitment to ensuring that all families – regardless of location – continue to access high-quality support and essential services for young children and parents.
The network of children’s centres across Leeds currently consists of 55 registered sites, offering a wide range of services. These include social and educational groups for expectant mothers, parents, and carers of children under five, as well as support for breastfeeding, baby hubs, and advice on training, employment, welfare, and financial matters. However, the review found that many of these centres are underused and operate as single-purpose facilities. The landscape of family support has evolved, with families now able to access multiple services in other community-oriented venues, prompting the need to reassess and reorganize the network.
A key driver behind the proposed changes is the shifting demographic landscape. Leeds, like many cities nationwide, is seeing a decline in birth rates. Projections suggest that demand for children’s services will decrease in the coming years, reinforcing the need for a more efficient and sustainable network. Extensive consultations with families, staff, and stakeholders played a central role in shaping the review’s recommendations, ensuring that the voices of those who use and deliver these services were heard.
Key Proposals and Planned Changes
The review’s core recommendation is that Leeds continue to operate 31 children’s centres, which would still represent the largest network among England’s core cities. These centres are to be grouped into seven geographic clusters aligning with the recently launched ‘family hubs.’ This new model aims to deliver more consistent, joined-up support for families, streamlining access to a comprehensive range of services in each area.
A total of 18 children’s centres are proposed for closure. The council bases these recommendations on a thorough assessment of local needs, the suitability of buildings, proximity to other service locations, and extensive consultation feedback. In addition, six historic centres that are no longer operational will be formally deregistered. This realignment is designed to concentrate resources in areas where they are most needed, while also taking advantage of community spaces that many families already frequent.
The review identified significant opportunities to deliver services from alternative venues, such as libraries, community centres, schools, and leisure centres. Feedback from families and stakeholders indicated broad support for accessing children’s services in these more convenient and multi-purpose locations. This approach offers greater flexibility and reflects how families live, work, and seek support today, according to council leadership.
Enhanced Accessibility and Service Delivery
To maximize accessibility, the overhaul includes a blend of face-to-face support and a revitalized digital offering. Families will benefit from features such as recorded workshops and online booking systems. This digital expansion is designed to supplement in-person services, making it easier for families to access help at times and locations that fit their schedules. The council believes this dual approach will improve service reach and user satisfaction.
Financial sustainability is also a critical consideration. The proposed redesign is estimated to achieve efficiencies and financial savings of up to £2.45 million. These savings can be reinvested into prioritized areas and further support for families facing the greatest challenges. A new funding formula is part of the plan, ensuring that investment is targeted precisely where the need is highest – a move expected to bolster equity and impact across the city.
Councillor Helen Hayden, executive member for children and families, highlighted the significance of the proposed changes: “Children’s centres in Leeds play a vital role in supporting families and with 31 proposed to remain, the city will continue to retain more centres than any other core city. These proposals will allow us to continue delivering core and targeted support, while modernising services and providing access through co-located provision in trusted community spaces.”
Community Consultation and Future Outlook
The review process was characterized by extensive engagement with families, staff, and stakeholders. Leeds City Council ensured that a wide spectrum of perspectives was included, gathering input on usage patterns, preferred locations, and service accessibility. Many respondents indicated a willingness to access children’s services in alternative venues, such as libraries or leisure centres, citing convenience and the potential for more integrated support as key benefits.
Details of the report and proposals can be accessed on the Leeds City Council Council and Democracy webpage (agenda item nine). The council encourages citizens to review the full documentation to understand the planned changes and participate in the ongoing dialogue about the future of children’s services in Leeds.
The council’s approach aims to balance service quality, accessibility, and financial responsibility. By aligning the children’s centres with family hubs and integrating digital enhancements, the city seeks to modernise early years support. As Councillor Hayden summarized, “By aligning with our newly-launched family hubs, we’re creating a more joined-up, city-wide network that reflects how families live, work and seek support today.”
For further information or media inquiries, contact the Leeds City Council Communications and Marketing Team at communicationsteam@leeds.gov.uk or by phone at 0113 378 6007.
- Leeds City Council proposes to reduce its children’s centre network from 55 to 31, grouping them into seven geographic clusters.
- The plan involves closing 18 centres and formally deregistering six historic, non-operational centres.
- Services will be delivered from alternative venues like libraries, community centres, schools, and leisure centres to enhance accessibility.
- The overhaul includes a revitalized digital offering with online booking and recorded workshops to supplement in-person support.
- The proposed redesign is expected to achieve financial savings of up to £2.45 million, to be reinvested into prioritized areas.