A children's centre which offers midwifery clinics, baby bonding sessions and several other classes for families is reportedly at risk of closure.

Coldhurst Children's Centre sits inside Richmond Primary School on Winterbottom Street, offering family support and helping parents and prospective parents to access early childhood services and improving the well-being of young children.

The centre was established in 2007 to support families identified in Coldhurst, Moorside, Royton and South Chadderton health centres, and its services are provided by the Northern Care Alliance NHS Foundation Trust.

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It was graded 'good' overall in its last graded inspection in 2011.

Ofsted inspector Janet Stacey found at the time that the centre caters to one of the most deprived neighbourhoods, with many adults on workless benefits and suffering from health issues such as maternal mental health-related problems.

Ms Stacey also wrote the number of adults requesting support for domestic abuse in the area was "rising" but that the centre was "committed" to break cycles of depravation and established itself at "the heart of the community" where families can go for support and advice in "times of crisis".

The education watchdog praised the "outstanding leadership and governance of the centre" and described it as "thriving" and a "safe haven".

Stand-out positives from the report reveal the centre made significant progress in improving parenting skills and breaking down gender barriers with more men "starting to take an interest in their young children's learning" while women "becoming less isolated and making new friends".

However, more than 10 years since that report was written, a letter addressed to residents states the centre is now under threat of closure by Oldham Council.

The letter states: "There is currently a consultation underway looking at the role and use of the Children's Centres in Oldham.

"The council is looking at closing some (of) the centres and Coldhurst Children's Centre is at risk of closure.

"This would mean that all services currently provided including maternity, play sessions, weight sessions, health visitors and general advice would stop."

Parents and residents are now being advised to have their say on the consultation via a form online, which can be found here, or by calling the centre at Richmond School where the staff can assist.

The letter concludes: "The council is stating that services will run but from other buildings in the local area.

"There are suggestions as to which these buildings may be, however, nothing is confirmed yet.

"The consultation document asks if you agree to services being run from other sites, however, the way it is worded is confusing so please answer no if you want the children's centre to stay."

Councillor Shaid Mushtaq, Cabinet member for education and skills, said: “Both the council and the Northern Care Alliance NHS Trust are looking into the origin of this letter and in the meantime, we encourage residents to fill in our consultation so they can share with us their views on exciting new plans for better services for families in Oldham.

“We are proposing seven new Family Hubs plus options for 20+ additional locations to deliver services from so there’s a wide range of locations for families to access.

“The consultation will close on Monday 29 January so people should take the opportunity now to let us know what they think.”

Leah Robins, Chief Operating Officer, Oldham Care Organisation, which is part of the Northern Care Alliance NHS Foundation Trust, said: “Oldham Council is currently consulting local residents on children’s services and the activities they use in their local area.

"There are full details on their proposals and details about how people can have their say on the council’s website at www.oldham.gov.uk/servicesforfamilies”

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