This would mean that in future whether or not something is a children's centre would be a matter of law. Local authorities, working with their statutory partners, would be required to assess the need for children's centres in their area and to establish and maintain sufficient numbers of them to meet that need.

The proposed new duties are based on current good practice, as reflected in existing guidance issued from the Department for Children, Schools and Families. Issues up for consultation include whether local authorities, primary care trusts and Jobcentre Plus provide their early childhood services through children's centres and whether there should be an advisory board for every centre representing parents, service providers and the local community.

Closing date 6 November

www.dcsf.gov.uk/consultations/conDetails.cfm?consultationId=1575.