Newham teachers are appealing for a halt to massive planned cuts to borough, including children’s centres

A child plays in a ball pool — Image: Carlos Magno/Unsplash

Teachers at key children’s centres in Newham are appealing to the Council to shelve plans for massive cuts that could damage support for some of the Borough’s most vulnerable children and families.

The Council is currently in the midst of a consultation with residents over radical plans for cuts in services in the face of a catastrophic multi-million funding crisis.

One typical area where cuts are planned is in support for 12 children’s centres in the Borough. According to Council documentation there are three options: cut the number of centres from 12 to eight (with one for each community neighbourhood), reduce the number of children’s centres to four or, in the worst case, close all 12 centres. But this is unlikely with the Council indicating that children’s centres will avoid the harshest cuts.

The loss of children’s centres could increase pressure on already stretched social care services and lead to increased adult mental health issues across Newham warns Rohan Allen, Head Teacher at the Rebecca Cheetham Nursery and Children’s Centre in Stratford.

“I have seen first-hand how the use of our services has a tremendous impact on our families,” he writes in a letter to families. “It is very humbling that a familiar piece of feedback that we regularly receive from our families over the years has been, ‘You have been a lifeline’.”

Now that lifeline is threatened and he urges parents to urge the Council not to cut support to the centres. “Our children’s centres do a significant job in supporting families with social care needs,” he says.

“They give children wonderful opportunities to grow their early development, opportunities to play and socialise, and a safe space for parents to get practical support.” Online consultations with residents will be held on Monday 11th November and Wednesday 13th November. All information about having your say can be found at: https:// mailchi.mp/a2caafa2837c/ the-big-vote-on-21-october17986946?e=569cdb8463

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