Council secures new operator for its three early years centres
Tuesday 7 January, 2025: As part of a continued drive to deliver value for money services, Hillingdon Council has secured a new, specialist childcare operator for its early years centres.
LEYF currently runs 41 nurseries across 12 London boroughs, delivering early years education and care to children from birth to five years old. The new arrangement will ensure the high quality of early years education in the borough, with the operator having a proven track record of providing childcare provision rated 'good' or 'outstanding' by Ofsted.
It will also generate regular income for the council, with LEYF having sole occupancy of the sites allowing it to potentially expand the number of places it offers in the future.
Children's centre services previously available at these sites have been relocated to the Uxbridge and Hayes Family Hubs and other local children's centres. South Ruislip Children's Centre is being relocated to the Wren, which is co-located on the Queens Walk Resource Centre site, this month as part of the council's delivery of its Family Hub Strategy.
Cllr Susan O'Brien, Hillingdon Council's Cabinet Member for Children, Education and Families, said: "As family circumstances have changed over the last couple of decades we know parents not only value, but require, the early years provision these centres provide. We're delighted to be working with LEYF and benefit from its experience and expertise to support our children to live healthy, active and independent lives."
Cllr Jonathan Bianco, Hillingdon Council's Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Corporate Services and Property, added: "This decision also forms a part of our ongoing transformation and savings programme by delivering value for money for taxpayers by making best use of our assets, saving on running costs and generating income for the council."
June O'Sullivan OBE, CEO of LEYF, said: "We are thrilled to partner with Hillingdon Council to take on the management of these three early years centres. At LEYF, we are committed to delivering high-quality early years education and care that not only supports children's learning and development but also fosters a sense of belonging for families within the local community.
"With our extensive experience across London, we look forward to enhancing the provision in Hayes, South Ruislip, and Uxbridge, ensuring that every child, especially those living in disadvantaged neighbourhoods, can thrive in a safe, nurturing, and inspiring environment. This partnership aligns perfectly with our mission to provide accessible and inclusive childcare that makes a real difference in people's lives."
