Changes to Children’s Centres from April 2025

From 1 April 2025, Children’s Centres across Royal Greenwich will change the services they provide. This comes after a public consultation ensuring we are using our funds effectively while continuing to provide much needed support to families.  

In 2024, hundreds of families participated in the consultation, offering valuable feedback on the proposed changes. Their insights have helped shape the final decisions, ensuring that services continue to meet the needs of local families. The new offer will include support for children of all ages so more families can get the support they need. The provision will meet demand for personalised support for children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). 

Information is set out on our Greenwich Community Directory where you can see the range of provision spread fairly across the borough including in new sites such as Charlton Family Centre.   

As a result of the changes we're also developing facilities at former children's centre sites such as Cardwell, Greenacres and Sherington where children with SEND will be able to be better supported. 

Cllr Adel Khaireh, Cabinet Member for Children and Young People said: 

“Thank you to everyone who shared their thoughts on the proposals, whether you’re a parent, carer, professional working with young children and their families or resident. It is important that the services we provide reflect your needs and that we do that within financial challenges. 

“It feels like we have reached a good outcome with the increase in much needed SEND support, still providing midwifery and antenatal care and using our funds effectively. I know how much families rely on these provisions and the difference these centres and the professionals who work there have made.   

“While other councils across London are having to close Children’s Centres, we’re investing £3.6million - more than any other Southeast London borough. I am committed to ensuring our Children and Young People can reach their full potential so please be assured that the support isn’t going anywhere, it will just be found in different places.”  

The change includes more support for young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities. There is an increased demand for SEND support with the number of school pupils with an Education, Health and Care Plan in the UK growing by 71% since 2018.  

While some sites - including Robert Owen, Shooters Hill, Alderwood, and Mulgrave - will no longer be official Children’s Centres, they will still be used for other purposes, including supporting schools, nurseries, midwifery, and health visitors.  

You may be able to get free childcare for your child aged nine months to four years old. The amount of free childcare you can get depends on:  

• your child’s age and circumstances
• whether you’re working (employed, self-employed, or a director)
• your income (and your partner’s income, if you have one)
• your immigration status.  

Learn more about free early learning opportunities.  

To find services near you head to the Greenwich Community Directory. 

Families with children up to the age of 19 (or up to 25 for those with special educational needs or disabilities) can get free advice and support from the Families Information Service(FIS) on a variety of topics. You can contact FIS via 020 8921 6921 or fis@royalgreenwich.gov.uk.