Plans underway for next steps of Family Hub development

Families in Dorset will benefit from plans to develop family hubs further, improving services to children and families across the county.  

Many family hubs are now open across Dorset, and Dorset Council will be expanding this further by upgrading and developing existing facilities and relocating some services to ensure they are more accessible to families who need them most.  

For 25 years, children’s centres and their dedicated teams have provided invaluable support, advice, and essential services to families with children aged 0-5 in Dorset.  

The transition to the family hub model will allow these centres to expand their offer to provide information and support to more families to include children and young people from 0-19 (or up to 25 for young people with SEND), aligning with the Department for Education’s Family Hub requirements.  

These developments follow a public consultation held from 21 November 2024 to 21 February 2025, during which families across Dorset were invited to share their views on the proposed plans.  

Their feedback played a crucial role in shaping the final decisions, ensuring that the revised services reflect local needs and priorities.  

Now, with community input incorporated, Dorset Council is ready to move forward with a clear plan to integrate each children’s centre site into the family hub network.  

Cllr. Clare Sutton, Dorset Council Cabinet Member for Children’s Services, Education, and Skills, said: 

“Our family hub approach aims to ensure that more families are able to get the right support at the right time, in their local community and tailored to their unique circumstances.”  

“We are delighted that families are supporting these much-needed changes, helping us to ensure that children in Dorset have the best start in life.” 

“We have already seen the positive impact of family hubs in the communities they serve, and by expanding this network, we can reach even more families with essential support.” 

For more details, you can view the published response to the Children’s Centre Consultation here: Children's Centres Consultation - Dorset Council - Citizen Space

Find out more about family hubs and family hub network points: https://www.dorsetcouncil.gov.uk/children-families/family-hub/find-a-family-hub