Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
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Context
Blossom children’s centre in Deal has been closed, and the new merged service is not offering the required level of support for one to four-year-olds. The local community relies on this facility as a crucial community asset.
In Deal, Blossom children’s centre has been closed, and the new merged service does not offer the level of service required for one to four-year-olds and is not fit for purpose. What can be done to reopen that much-loved and sorely missed community asset?
Local authorities must engage with families to co-design services and ensure that those services meet their needs. We are investing £126 million in family hubs, Start for Life, and through our plan for change. This Government aim to get a record proportion of children hitting key developmental targets by the age of five. If my hon. Friend would like to write to me on any particular issue, I would be happy to take it up. Departmental officials are aware of the case he raises and are working with Kent county council to continue to deliver services.
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Assessment & feedback
Specific measures for reopening Blossom children’s centre were not provided; instead, general advice was given on engagement processes and ongoing work.
Response accuracy