Agenda and minutes

The Chair welcomed everyone to the meeting.

The Chair drew attention to the emergency evacuation procedure.

Councillors Sarah Bevan and Loraine Morgan-Brinkhurst had sent their apologies to the Panel. Councillors Lisa Brett and Nicholas Coombes were their respective substitutes for the duration of the meeting.

The Liberal Democrat Group currently has a vacancy on the Panel, Councillor Ian Gilchrist was their representative on this occasion.

At this point in the meeting declarations of interest are received from Members in any of the agenda items under consideration at the meeting. Members are asked to indicate:

(a) The agenda item number in which they have an interest to declare.

(b) The nature of their interest.

(c) Whether their interest is a disclosable pecuniary interest or an other interest,  (as defined in Part 2, A and B of the Code of Conduct and Rules for Registration of Interests)

Any Member who needs to clarify any matters relating to the declaration of interests is recommended to seek advice from the Council’s Monitoring Officer or a member of his staff before the meeting to expedite dealing with the item during the meeting.

The Chair announced that a revised Appendix 4 had been circulated to the Panel.

The Chair explained that a number of people had registered to make a statement and that they would be heard as part of agenda item 7.

In March 2013 a request was made for the Early Years, Children and Youth Policy Development and Scrutiny Panel to review proposals to re-structure the Early Years and Children’s Centre Services in order the deliver the overall saving of £2.335m as part of the Medium Term Service Resource Plan 2013 – 2016 for the Children’s Service.

John Hack, Chew Valley Children’s Centre Advisory Board addressed the Panel. A copy of the statement can be found on the Panel’s Minute Book.

Councillor Liz Hardman asked if Chew Valley were to be linked to a hub in Keynsham would the same level of service be provided.

John Hack replied that he feared it would not and felt it almost inevitable that services for Chew Valley would cease to exist.

Tony Crouch, Chairman of Keynsham Children’s Centre Advisory Board addressed the Panel. He asked the Panel to be mindful in any recommendations they make that the population of Keynsham was due to grow by 25 – 30% in the coming years.

Gemma Day, Toybox Toy Library, Weston Children’s Centre addressed the Panel. A copy of the statement can be found on the Panel’s Minute Book.

Gemma also handed in a petition of over 200 signatures and the handprints of 30 children showing support to keep the Children’s Centre open along with the services it offers.

Councillor Liz Hardman asked if the proposed cuts went ahead would the service you provide stop.

Gemma Day replied that the charity would still exist but expected it would only be able to offer a reduced service.

Councillor Michael Evans asked if the charity currently received any financial support from the Council.

Gemma Day replied that it did not. She added that it would be the support from the staff at the Centre that would be lost.

Elisabeth Markall addressed the Panel on behalf of her friend Fiona Day. A copy of the statement can be found on the Panel’s Minute Book.

Sarah Ford addressed the Panel regarding Keynsham Children’s Centre. A copy of the statement can be found on the Panel’s Minute Book.

Councillor Liz Hardman asked if the services she received were from volunteers at the Centre.

Sarah Ford replied that the services she accessed were from staff at the Centre.

Nettie Williams, Somer Valley Children’s Centre addressed the Panel. A copy of the statement can be found on the Panel’s Minute Book.

Councillor Liz Hardman asked what provision was available at the Centre now for post-natal depression.

Nettie Williams replied that the invaluable ‘My Time, My Space’ group was in place at the Centre with a crèche facility provided.

Ailsa McKenzie and her daughter Isobel addressed the Panel regarding Somer Valley Children’s Centre. Ailsa said that she felt she would not be here without the support she had received through ‘My Time, My Space’. She added that she had made so many friends through the group and that the services they provide are un-measurable.

She informed the Panel that she was the Assistant Head Teacher at Camerton School and spoke of how much value the school places on the back up that the Centre provides.

Isobel said that stay and play was good for her and that the toys and ladies at the Centre are lovely.

Marita Sherwood addressed the Panel regarding Parkside Children’s Centre. A copy of the statement can  ...  view the full minutes text for item 51.