Children’s centres face tough targets

Children’s centres could be held to account over the extent to which they reach out to the most vulnerable, under government proposals.

An action plan for the 10-year child care strategy also suggests that councils will judge centres on the basis of child poverty levels, parental satisfaction, the extent of children’s development and health indicators such as obesity.

A final decision on the indicators will be made at the end of the year.

Under the plan, which was published last week, local authorities would have to identify an officer to support children’s each centre and hold an “annual conversation” to review performance and set targets.

The document also sets a goal to deliver 1,000 children’s centres in England by the year end and 2,500 extended schools by September.

The 10-year Childcare Strategy Action Plan from www.everychildmatters.gov.uk