Residents are invited to share their views on improving ‘Early Help’ services across the borough.

Despite a wide range of support available from Ealing Council, some families aren’t using the services they could benefit from. This is likely due to location, awareness, or accessibility.

Without early support, even small challenges can grow.

Ealing Council is working to make services more accessible, flexible, and tailored to each family’s needs.

As part of this, a review is being carried out on how children’s centres are organised across the borough.

A better offer with longer opening hours

Currently, Ealing has 25 children’s centres, more than boroughs like Barnet or Croydon, but not all families who could benefit are using them.

One idea being explored is whether fewer, more accessible centres with longer hours and expanded services could reach more families.

The council is considering whether to focus services in 12 key children centres, selected based on their accessibility, how much they’re being used and the size and suitability of the buildings.

If this approach is taken, these centres could offer an expanded range of services and longer opening hours to make them more accessible to families.

The council is also looking to deliver support through community spaces like libraries or local centres, making help more available close to home.

Your experiences matter

A public consultation is now open to gather views on improving Early Help services, including a review of children’s centres.

The consultation will run for 12 weeks, closing on Sunday 27 April 2025.

Everyone is encouraged to share their thoughts, whether or not they’ve used these services.

The full consultation document is available online, and a short survey is open for participation. There will also be opportunities to speak with staff at upcoming consultation events.

‘Reaching families earlier’

Councillor Josh Blacker, the council’s cabinet member for a fairer start, said: “We want as many people as possible to take part in the consultation.

“We know that there are families who are underserved by the current offer, whether because of limited hours, or the number of services available at a centre.

“Our aim is to explore whether children’s centres could be strengthened with a wider range of services, longer opening hours, and better access for families who need them. But we also recognise that not every parent needs to visit a centre to get support. That’s why we’re also looking at how services could be brought into local communities – whether that’s by using libraries, community centres or health settings – to make sure help is available as close to home as possible.”

The consultation will close on Sunday 27 April 2025. For more information and to have your say, visit the Ealing Council website.