Four children's centres in Hounslow could close as part of plans to boost the amount of free childcare places.

Hounslow Council wants to create up to 156 extra free childcare places for disadvantaged two-year-olds in the most deprived areas - an increase of 10%.

To do this it plans to close four of the borough's 18 children's centres and change the way the remaining centres operate.

It claims the move will help narrow the gaps in achievement between five-year-olds across the borough, more than two fifths of whom were recently assessed by the Government as being unready for school.

The council also hopes the proposed overhaul of children's services will help reduce childhood obesity, increase the uptake of immunisations and improve youngsters' dental health.

A three-month consultation on the proposals is due to begin on Monday (July 20) after being approved by councillors at a cabinet meeting on Tuesday (July 7).

Council officers claim nearly half of disadvantaged two-year-olds across the borough are currently missing out on free early learning and childcare places.

It hopes to increase the uptake by boosting the number of childcare places at the remaining children's centres and offering more services at venues like libraries, schools and leisure centres.

'Right care in right place'

Under the plans, four children's centres would continue to operate as normal, seven would provide existing services alongside extra childcare places, three would solely provide free childcare places for disadvantaged two-year-olds, and four would close.

The council has not said which children's centres would close under the proposals. However, it is understood centres in Brentford, Cranford, Hanworth and Isleworth are likely to be safe, as these areas all contain pockets which are in the top 10% of the most deprived areas nationally.

Children's centres were set up to help families with young children. They offer services ranging from play facilities for youngsters to training and employment advice for their parents.

The council says the proposed changes would save £1.76m out of the £60m in cuts it needs to make by 2019 due to a reduction in funding from central government.

Councillor Tom Bruce, cabinet member for education and children's services, said: "We know the first five years of a child's life are of critical importance to their long-term life chances. We want to do all we can to make sure every child in our borough gets the best possible start in life.

"By providing the right services in the right place for families who need them most, our intention is that all children will be ready for school by five, will be healthy, and able to play and develop in a safe environment.

"For parents and carers, we'll be supporting them to find out about everything which is on offer for under fives and how to easily access services."