Executive Summary
Both Midsomer Norton central and Westfield received a
significant proportion of votes from respondents as a preference
for the location of new Children’s Centre Services. Although
Midsomer Norton central was slightly more popular, one third of
respondents would prefer services in Westfield. This is a
considerable figure, and illustrates a clear need.
There is a preference for play activities that promote play
between parent, carer and child, as opposed to activities for
children only. Although 39% of respondents would like to see play
activities just for children, this need could be met through play
groups or a crèche, which, as can be seen below, have been strongly
requested.
Replies regarding the current provision of flexible childcare in
Midsomer Norton illustrate that there are significant gaps in
provision for the under 2s – nearly two thirds of respondents don’t
feel there is enough childcare for this age group. However,
in the 2 to 4 age group, the consultation has indicated that the
opposite is true, with more than half of respondents saying that
they feel the current provision is sufficient.
Over one third of parents and carers would prefer nursery care
for the 0-2 age group to address the gap that is currently
perceived. However, both preschools/playgroups and a crèche were
also popular choices among respondents, and the gap between these
and a nursery as childcare choices is not significant; it is likely
that any one of the three would meet the perceived need well.
There was a high demand for health information. Most requested
was child development, although healthy eating and speech and
language advice were also popular, suggesting a significant need in
this area. It must be noted, however, that when this question was
asked, these three topics were given as examples of the type of
healthcare advice that could be offered. It is necessary to
consider whether or not the replies have come up had we not listed
these examples. However, the proportion of respondents who
requested one or more of the three topics is very high at 86%,
which strongly indicates that this is an area of particular
need.
A similar situation has arisen from the question regarding
additional types of information. Advice on childcare, benefits,
training and employment were all popular preferences, but again,
these were all given as examples within the question.
However, the numbers involved, especially regarding ‘Work and
Training Advice’ suggest that these are areas of information that
parents and carers are particularly keen to have access to.
Finally, this situation arises for the question about family
support. The most popular choices (counselling, support for
families with a disabled child, practical help with parenting and
parenting courses) were all examples given in the question.
However, despite this, approximately one third of respondents felt
they would like access to parenting courses, practical help with
parenting, and counselling; a proportion that suggests a major
need. This type of question can be difficult to answer, so the
numbers involved are particularly significant. The additional
comments and suggestions made by parents for this question are very
relevant. In particular, support for families experiencing abuse
and domestic violence has been identified as important to this
area, as has more support for families of children with disorders
on the autistic spectrum.
Whilst replies have suggested that families would be prepared to
travel up to 10 miles to access services, it must be noted that
nearly half of all parents and carers – 44% - would be travelling
on foot, and would prefer services to be located within 2 miles of
their residence. Although travel by car was marginally the most
popular option, the percentage of parents and carers who would be
travelling on foot is high
