Purpose

This report seeks approval for an additional
refurbishment of Alexandra Childrens Centre,
This report seeks approval for an additional refurbishment of
Alexandra Childrens Centre, which would be delivered by way of a
further call off with E Smith & Son off under Lot 14 (Minor
Works - Building Repairs / Maintenance / New Build / Extensions /
Refurbishment) of the Construction and Highways Works and Services
Framework Agreement (CHWSF). This will ensure the transformation
(upgrade and refurbishment) of Alexandra Childrens Centre. If
approved, and that Oldham’s Family Hubs programme will be
able to deliver services in welcoming, safe, and secure
spaces.

The implementation of a Family Hub will require adapting existing
buildings, improving accessibility, and enabling multi-agency
working, which could include IT upgrades, signage, improving
building space, new furniture to ensure suitability for older
children, and new equipment to support the co-location of the start
for life workforce, such as desks, phone systems and sinks or
specialist flooring for clinical use by midwives or health
visitors.

According to the DfE requirements, Family Hubs buildings should be
welcoming, safe, and secure spaces. Additionally, they should
have:
• A designated welcoming, safe and secure breastfeeding space
for mothers to breastfeed and meet other breastfeeding
parents.
• A designated welcoming, safe and secure space where parents
can speak to practitioners, volunteers, or other peer supporters
about their wellbeing and mental health.

Content

RESOLVED - That:
This report seeks approval to enter into a call-off contract to
allow for further works to be delivered to ensure the
transformation (upgrade and refurbishment) of Alexandra
Children’s Centre, and that Oldham’s Family Hubs
programme will be able to deliver services in welcoming, safe, and
secure spaces.
Oldham Council, alongside 74 other LAs, met the government’s
criteria to receive a share of a ringfenced funding for Family Hub
development.
The expectations for delivery include providing a range of support
for families, children, and breastfeeding parents in key important
areas through different workstreams such as Parenting Support,
Infant Feeding, Home and Learning Environment, Mental Health, Start
for Life Offer and Parent Panels