Poll: 72% of Hillingdon residents happy with child services

Some 72 per cent of residents in Hillingdon are satisfied or very satisfied with the standard of the borough's children's centres.

This is according to a survey carried out by Hillingdon Council. The figure represents an increase on last year's results, when only 53 per cent declared themselves content with the quality of care being offered to their offspring and the increase may convince those looking at property to rent in Hillingdon to take the plunge.

Satisfaction with youth clubs has also spiked in the past 12 months, now sitting at 69 per cent, which is up on the 53 per cent recorded 12 months previously. All of this points to the fact large-scale improvements have been made to the location's offerings.

Cabinet member for education and children's services councillor David Simmonds was very happy with the results of the poll. He said: "Our children's centres offer a fantastic environment in which children and parents can learn, play and meet each other socially. I am delighted that satisfaction rates have risen and I hope they continue to do so as more parents discover the support and opportunities available to them on their door step."

There was also praise from a local parent, Brad Bryham, whose son attends one of the clubs. He observed it gives his kid the opportunity to mix with a lot of other children in a safe environment, while the youngster also receives first-class care and attention.

In total, the borough boasts 18 children's centres, with only one of these not fully opened. Among the classes that are offered include: stay and play sessions, child and adult yoga, dance classes, breastfeeding support and adult learning.

Further evidence of the borough's commitment to young people can be seen by the announcement of funding for Abbotsfield School so it can offer additional places. Under the scheme, a newly-refurbished sixth form block will be opened in September 2012.

Posted by Martyn Glynn

Published 30th April, 2012

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