Childrens Centre
What is a Children’s Centre?
The aim of a Children’s Centre is to improve outcomes for all children. They are a part of the Government’s ten-year childcare strategy to enable all families with children to have access to an affordable, flexible, high-quality childcare place for their child. Centres are based wherever possible on existing provision, to meet the needs of local communities, in consultation with parents, the private, voluntary and independent sectors, PCTs, Jobcentre Plus and other key partners, to deliver a range of services.
Children’s Centres are “service hubs” where children under five years old and their families can receive seamless integrated services and information.
By 2010, every community will be served by a Children’s Centre, offering permanent universal provision across the country, ensuring that every child gets the best start in life.
What does a Children’s Centre offer?
The services - usually known as the ‘core offer’ - include:
- Integrated early education and childcare
- Support for parents - including advice on parenting, local childcare options and access to specialist services for families.
- Child and family health services - ranging from health screening, health visitor services to breast-feeding support.
- Helping parents into work - with links to the local Jobcentre Plus and training.
|
