Response to the lessons learned review of the children's centre consultation
What is this report about?
The lessons learned review was commissioned to look at the factors that lead to a judicial review received by the Council in June 2024 regarding its consultation on proposed changes to some of the local children’s centres. Following advice from external legal advisors, the Council decided to settle by consent the judicial review in November 2024.
Why did this review take place?
The Mayor of Hackney commissioned this review after the judicial review concluded in November 2024. The aim of the review was to learn from the process, identify areas for improvement and to develop future practices related to service changes and consultations.
What are the recommendations from the review?
The recommendations can be viewed in detail in the lessons learned report.
How does this review impact Children's Centre staff?
The review specifically recognises the impact that the consultation and the judicial review process had on staff. The lessons learned during the review will be used to improve how we work in the future and provide better support to staff during any times of change. The recommendations in the report directly address how to improve communication with staff, support staff wellbeing and ensure that staff feedback is heard and acted upon.
How was staff feedback gathered for this review?
Staff from the Children’s Centres involved in the consultation were given the opportunity to give feedback via a survey, and interviews were held with officers involved in the process. This feedback was used to help write the report and develop the recommendations.
What support is available for staff?
Staff can access support through the council’s Employee Assistance Programme, or speak to the relevant HR department.
Will there be changes to Children's Centres as a result of this report?
The council will use the next year to reflect on and implement the recommendations from the review. The council requires this time to gather up-to-date data, as well as information from its children’s centres about the impact of changes to local childcare. This data, together with any new guidance issued by the central government, will be used to inform future plans for the council’s children’s centres, which are expected to be shared over the next year. These plans will also be considered as part of the Hackney Education Three Year Strategy which is currently being developed and will look at the needs of each neighbourhood. During the next year, individual children’s centres will continue to review their provision as they roll out the expanded funded childcare entitlement, which would be normal practice.
How are we sharing this information?
Staff will be provided with an overview of the findings of the review in face to face and online sessions.
Who can I contact if I have further questions?
Please reach out to Sally Bard, Project Officer, if you have any further questions.