Parents, carers and stakeholders in Dudley borough are being invited to take part in a consultation on educational hubs for early years children with special needs.

The consultation, which will run next month, follows Dudley Council’s proposals to support nursery aged children with higher support needs, by establishing a more locally based model.

People will be able to have their say from 5 to 30 June. Dudley Council has paused its recently commenced tender process for hubs providers while the consultation takes place. Councillor Ruth Buttery, cabinet member for children’s services and education, said:

"Children are at the heart of all we do and, after having many conversations with parents and carers, we have taken the decision to pause the tender process for the five township inclusion hubs.

"We want to reassure everyone that we are listening, and we recognise that children are naturally every parent’s priority. We are now in the process of contacting parents, carers and stakeholders to invite them to have their say in a four-week consultation period.

"We will continue to work together to find a strong and sustainable model for early years provision."

Last year, a review of the inclusive early years provision was undertaken, and a multi-agency group was established to look at best practice. Their work included engagement with partners and the Parent Carer Forum and recommendations were made for the township model.

Parents and carers who would like to find out more about early years provision in Dudley borough can contact their local family hubs or online.