Quality testing for children's centres

In a letter to children's services directors Sheila Scales, director of the Department for Children, Schools and Families' early years, extended schools and special needs group, said help with performance management will be made available.

She said the government is considering a "benchmarking system" that will help centres ensure they are offering value for money and "understand fully the costs involved" in offering services.

Further guidance to be made available later this year will cover issues including governance, staff training and management.