Following approval of the children’s centres review recommendations by the council’s principal decision-making board, Executive Board, on 15 October, and subsequent review at Scrutiny Board on 4 November, we can confirm that the decision has now been released for implementation. Consequently, the changes set out below, shaped by public consultation and detailed analysis, will be introduced to ensure Leeds continues to deliver a strong 0 to 5 years Family Service offer, making a positive impact for children and families right across the city.
Thank you to everyone who has engaged with this process. We appreciate your involvement and remain committed to keeping you updated.
- Changes to children’s centres approved by Executive Board
- What happens next
- About the review
- Contact us
Changes to children’s centres approved by Executive Board
Keeping 31 children’s centres open across the city
The council to retain and continue operating 31 children’s centres to maintain a universal and citywide offer of support for families via the following groups:
- South Group 1: New Bewerley, Two Willows, Middleton
- South Group 2: Morley North, Rothwell, Lofthouse, Kippax
- West Group 3: Armley Moor, Bramley, Little London
- West Group 4: Horsforth, Ireland Wood, Swinnow, Hawksworth Wood, Aireborough, Otley
- East Group 5: Harehills, Gipton North & South, Richmond Hill, Osmondthorpe, Shakespeare
- East Group 6: Kentmere, Swarcliffe, Seacroft, Meadowfield Temple Newsam & Colton (MTC), Cross Gates & Manston
- East Group 7: Chapeltown, Moortown, Wetherby, Meanwood, Bankside
A new funding model
The implementation of a new funding formula model that will distribute available finances across the city in a way which best meets the identified needs within those communities.
Enhanced online support for families
Provision of an increased online offer of family services and support, whilst maintaining in person support for families.
New delivery spaces in some areas
Provision of services and support from other community spaces and buildings, as an alternative to some of the existing children’s centres.
Aligning children’s centres with Family Hubs
The organisation of Children’s Centres into 7 groups in alignment with the 7 Family Hubs approach.
Deregistration of 6 children’s centres
The deregistering of 6 children’s centres where services are not currently provided: City and Holbeck, Hunslet, Windmill, Morley South, Hollybush, Kirkstall.
Closure and realignment of 18 children’s centres
The closure and realignment of services in 18 Children’s Centres: Cottingley, Farnley, Gildersome, Ardsley/Tingley, Villages East, Castleton, Quarry Mount, Burley Park, Headingley, Pudsey, Farsley and Calverley, Parklands, Garforth, Boston Spa, Alwoodley, Roundhay, Chapel Allerton, Manor Wood.
Ongoing commitment to children’s centres
Leeds City Council remains committed to providing a universal offer of support and services across the city.
Benefits of these changes
- The changes will ensure a solid commitment remains to the provision of a universal offer of support and services across the city, underpinned by a needs-led funding model. This includes targeted funding for the most vulnerable, an approach that received strong support from both the public and professionals during the consultation.
- Leeds will retain its position as having the largest network of children’s centres of any core city.
- The changes will create a modernised and sustainable 0 to 5 years Family Service offer, with resources targeted based on community need and accessibility enhanced through both digital and face-to-face options.
- Updated service delivery will establish a more integrated approach with our Family and Community Hubs, supporting our ambition to offer more ‘one stop’ joined-up help for local people.
What happens next
The first phase of implementation will focus on closing and realigning the 18 centres and deregistering the 6 centres where services are not currently provided. Some of the centres will close in December 2025, as some contracts come to an end. The Early Years Service will contact affected centres to plan the closures carefully.
In addition to the closure and deregistration of centres, a service restructure will be undertaken involving children’s centre staff. Following this, services and support will be aligned with the 7 new children’s centre group areas, with completion planned for spring 2026. Throughout this period, we will ensure that affected staff and trade unions are kept informed and engaged.
Further information about the timeline and process for implementing the changes will be available on this webpage as work progresses. We will keep stakeholders informed and ensure that those most affected by these changes are provided the help and guidance they need throughout the process.
About the review
We have been reviewing how family services are delivered through children’s centres across the city. This included consultation on proposals to change how we offer family services and support from children’s centres in Leeds.
The review is about making a clear plan for the future. It has focused on the council’s key duties under the Childcare Act 2006 and considered how best these can be delivered to families of young children in the most effective and efficient way to:
- improve the wellbeing of young children in their area and reduce inequalities between them
- make arrangements to ensure childhood services in their area are provided in an integrated manner to facilitate access and maximise the benefit of those services to young children and their parents
- support commissioners of local health and employment services to work with the local authority in improving the wellbeing of young children and securing integrated early childhood service
Contact us
If you have any questions about the review, email: childrenscentresreview@leeds.gov.uk.
We will continue to publish updates on this webpage.
