This new arrangement also supports the council’s financial strategy, generating regular income through LEYF’s exclusive occupancy of the centres. The move allows the operator to potentially increase capacity and offer additional places in the future…reports Asian Lite News
In a move aimed at improving value-for-money services, Hillingdon Council has successfully secured a new operator for its three early years centres. London Early Years Foundation (LEYF), the UK’s largest charitable childcare social enterprise, will take over the management of Nestles Avenue Early Years Centre in Hayes, South Ruislip Early Years Centre, and Uxbridge Early Years Centre. This decision follows the council’s Cabinet approval on Thursday, December 12, granting LEYF 15-year leases for the sites.
LEYF, which currently operates 41 nurseries across 12 London boroughs, specializes in providing high-quality early years education and care for children from birth to five years old. The partnership with LEYF is expected to ensure the continued delivery of top-rated services, with the charity’s childcare provision consistently receiving ‘good’ or ‘outstanding’ ratings from Ofsted.
This new arrangement also supports the council’s financial strategy, generating regular income through LEYF’s exclusive occupancy of the centres. The move allows the operator to potentially increase capacity and offer additional places in the future.
As part of the council’s Family Hub Strategy, services previously offered at these centres have been relocated to Uxbridge and Hayes Family Hubs, along with other local children’s centres. South Ruislip Children’s Centre will be relocated to the Wren, co-located with the Queens Walk Resource Centre, later this month.
Susan O’Brien, Hillingdon Council’s Cabinet Member for Children, Education and Families, expressed enthusiasm about the partnership: “Parents increasingly rely on early years provision, and we are excited to work with LEYF to ensure our children receive the support they need to live healthy, active, and independent lives.”
Jonathan Bianco, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Corporate Services and Property, emphasized the broader financial benefits: “This decision is part of our ongoing transformation to deliver value for money for taxpayers by optimizing our assets, reducing operating costs, and generating income for the council.”
June O’Sullivan OBE, CEO of LEYF, welcomed the collaboration: “We are thrilled to partner with Hillingdon Council. Our mission is to provide accessible, high-quality childcare that positively impacts families, especially those in disadvantaged areas. We look forward to enhancing early years provision in Hayes, South Ruislip, and Uxbridge, creating a safe and inspiring environment for every child to thrive.”
