Decision details

The Cabinet Member for Prosperity considered a report seeking approval for the granting of leases in respect of the three children’s day care nurseries.

The previous service provider and lease holder had ceased their operations due to financial difficulties. The Council had stepped in to provide Nursery Education Entitlement only to 2, 3 and 4 year olds during the interim until a tender exercise could be undertaken to appoint a new operator. During this time no other services, such as places for 0-2 year olds, full day care or crèche facilities were available. Safehands had submitted the successful tender and were currently providing full private nursery services at the 3 children’s centre nurseries occupying the premises under tenancies at will until such time as the 9 year leases were completed.

The Cabinet Member for Children and Family Services, who was present at the meeting, supported the proposal.

Local Ward Member Councillor Dorothy Flude, who had been unable to attend the meeting, had submitted comments on the proposal which were reported at the meeting. The Cabinet Member for Prosperity undertook to respond in writing to Councillor Flude.

RESOLVED

That the Cabinet Member for Prosperity approves that 9 year leases be entered into with Safehands Network Limited in respect of the children’s centre nurseries at Monks Coppenhall Children’s Centre, The Brooks Children’s Centre (formerly Pebble Brook) and Oak Tree Children’s Centre (formerly Underwood West), the leases to be subject to such terms and conditions as are determined by the Assets Manager and Borough solicitor.