CABINET Member for Education and Health, Cllr James Halden, has welcomed the progress made on implementing the new wellbeing service for 0-19 year olds.
He said: “Ever since I announced this integrated service in October 2016, we have been guided by a simple core principle – a better and joined-up health, education and social care service for families where they need it.
“This is not about buildings and budgets – it’s about services and outcomes for children. It should be abundantly clear, as I have said before timetabled services and £1.6 million in savings will both be delivered.
“We said we would review the use of children centres, increase the services delivered in schools and the community, and ask residents for their views in a wide-ranging consultation.
“Responders said they valued the health services provided. You told us that family services should be provided together and a majority of people wanted services in one place.
“While listening fully to the consultation feedback throughout designing the new service, we will go ahead with plans to vacate expensive and under-used venues in Chafford Hundred and East Tilbury.
“In both areas we are working with schools to provide services in their buildings and further out-reach services.”
