Children's Centres Could Be Closed To Boost Efficiency

[Marion]

http://www.cypnow.co.uk/news/ByDiscipline/...ost-efficiency/

Did anyone read this?

[Rea]

Thats interesting Marion.

While travelling around on supply it was sometimes difficult to see why a childrens centre was where it was, and sometimes really obvious. I was never sure that a great deal of thought had gone into the placing of these centres.

I'm a few minutes walk away from a childrens centre which has an LEA nursery school, a primary school and a community nursery as its satellites. All are within walking distance of one another and yet they still chose to open a day nursery in the local primary school at the back of our playgroup (again, within walking distance) A health centre is across the road from the community nursery which is opposite a drop in centre for young and old alike.

There is need in the community, I dont deny that, but it seems there is a duplication of lots of services so the money being spent must be huge, especially as I know none of them are full.

I can see why the government might want to draw back on some of these services, slim lining them would be a good idea.

[Guest Wolfie]

It doesn't surprise me. I know that David Cameron has said that if the Conservatives get in then there is likely to be a move away from the universal services model of Children's Centres and more money concentrated on reaching and improving outcomes for disadvantaged children - the original Surestart model really. There hasn't been enough statistical evidence of the positive impact that centres are having on improving outcomes for all children. He also wants far more involvement from voluntary and community groups already in existence in the communities, something I completely agree with.