Centre of excellence for children on agenda

PLANS TO create one of the UK’s first centres to help disabled children and their families stay in their community is to be discussed by councillors in York today.

City of York Council says it is exploring options for a proposed centre of excellence with the Hob Moor Federation of Schools and the Ebor Academy Trust, which runs schools around North Yorkshire.

If it is approved, the site would provide a range of services, such as short breaks for disabled children and young people, in a safe and accessible space so children can remain with their families and near their homes. The services would be “delivered by social care experts who know the children and young people”.

A key element is the Family Intervention Rapid Support Team, to aid families caring for a child or young person with autism and a learning disability and with behaviour which affects their ability to live in the local community.

Coun Suzie Mercer, executive member for education, children, and young people at City of York Council, said: “This ambition to build York’s and one of the UK’s first centres of excellence, will deliver better outcomes for disabled children and their families.

“The innovation, creativity and co-production behind the centre reflects, complements and strengthens our overall vision of enabling children and young people to stay in York in their home, and with their health, care and education needs being met.”

The proposal will be considered by the council’s executive from 5.30pm today, in a meeting which can be viewed online.