Government plans to enshrine children's centres in legislation

Although welcomed by the early years sector, some said the move, set out in a consultation document released last week, could be designed to prevent a future Conservative government altering the scheme.

The proposed law will require local authorities to provide a sufficient number of children's centres and make them a recognised statutory service. At the moment children's centres are just one way in which councils can meet the requirements of the Childcare Act 2006.

Steve Alexander, chief executive of the Pre-school Learning Alliance, said: "It's probably a wise tactical move for a government that could be changing policy in two years' time. There are also operational concerns - some centres are not financially viable and I think it is positive that we formalise the accountability of children's centres considering these concerns."

Other key figures in the early years sector also welcomed the proposals, which would be part of the forthcoming Education and Skills Bill.

Liz Railton, programme director for children's services partnership Together for Children, said: "It gives a clear signal about the importance of children's centres and their long-term future. Clearly they're being viewed as part of the strategy to improve outcomes for young children."

Anne Longfield, chief executive of charity 4Children, said the move could be a "real catalyst to ensure wider partners such as schools really embrace that approach".

The Department for Children, Schools and Families said the intention of the consultation and legislation was to reflect current practice in law.

An opinion poll carried out by YouGov for The Sunday Times this week showed the Conservatives have a 19 per cent lead over Labour putting them on course for a landslide at the next general election.

- www.cypnow.co.uk/doc.