AN IMPASSIONED mother has launched a petition after concerns mount around the possible closure of children's centres across Slough.

Bonnie Foulsham has branded the idea as "sad" and "bizarre" as she took to change.org to create a petition which has now been signed by 303 people.

She is now calling on residents to back the petition against Slough Borough Council's proposal to close seven or more children's centres in a review of how services are delivered.

On the petition, the mother said: "Personally I find this a ridiculous move and the options they [Slough Borough Council] have proposed for this closure to me do not seem valid, fair or justifiable."

The council is currently weighing up the future of the services, looking at three options.

These are:

  • To create a new three centre model by closing seven of the existing 10 children’s centres to establish a new model of delivery serviced by the existing centres at Penn Road, Chalvey Grove and Romsey Close.  
  • To create a new two centre model by closing eight of the existing 10 children’s centres to establish a north and south locality model serviced by the existing centres at Penn Road and Chalvey Grove, respectively. 
  • To create a new single centre model by closing nine of the existing 10 children’s centres to establish a boroughwide model at Chalvey Grove.

READ MORE: Seven Slough children's centres could close - Have your say

Bonnie expressed that her frustration at the news comes from the fact her children have been attending the Romsey Close children's centre for over two years and she has reported a "tremendous" improvement in "every aspect".

She said: "Romsey Close centre is brilliant as a whole, some of the staff have dedicated themselves to that centre for years and without a shadow of a doubt it is one of the best things this community has.

"It’s one of a kind. Its location is perfect for residents in this area who may not be able to travel into Slough centre."

Bonnie added that "local children's centres" aren't often particularly local.

"In a cost of living crisis, parents could perhaps not afford public transport to take their children to a centre further out. 

"There is also so much pressure for parents to get back to work but now it seems Slough council want to potentially take away some of their child care too."

To view Bonnie's petition click here.

Cllr Christine Hulme (Lab: Central), lead member for children’s services, said: “Going forward we intend to develop a model that provides services for children from 0 to 19 (25 with SEND), whilst retaining an Early Years’ service on some of our sites.

“Having fewer of the old-style children’s centres would mean we can develop comprehensive family hubs at those that remain, providing a much wider range of services to more children and young people and their families.”

The council are currently running public consultations on the plans, which can be viewed here.