Hillingdon Council's Cabinet has approved a public consultation on proposed changes to its family hub and children's centre services, aiming to create a more accessible and locality-based support network for families from pregnancy up to the age of 19, or 25 for those with special educational needs and disabilities.
The proposed reconfiguration will move to a cluster-based approach, organised around three localities and six education-aligned clusters across the borough. Existing family hubs in Uxbridge, Hayes, South Ruislip, and West Drayton will remain, with consultation planned on converting children's centres in Yiewsley, Yeading, and Pinkwell into family hubs. A potential new hub in Hayes Town is also being considered, subject to premises availability and affordability.
Councillor Susan O'Brien, Cabinet Member for Adults, Children, Health & Care, emphasised that the changes are focused on redesigning service delivery to better reflect where families live, learn, and access support, rather than solely being an estate change.
The consultation, which will run for six weeks from November 2026, will engage with parents, carers, children, young people, schools, staff, health partners, community organisations, and residents. A draft service change equalities impact assessment will be published alongside the consultation and updated before any final decisions are made.
Julie Kelly, speaking on behalf of families, stressed the importance of hearing from residents who do not currently use the services to understand barriers and improve accessibility. She encouraged the public to get involved, stating that co-production would be a core part of the work to reach families who need services but have not yet benefited.
Following the consultation, a comprehensive report will be presented to Cabinet with findings, an updated equality assessment, financial analysis, workforce considerations, property implications, and final recommendations. No closures or material changes will take effect before the consultation concludes and appropriate notices are served.