Features

Interview: Sue Webster, co-ordinator of the Children's Centre Leaders' Network

3 mins read Early Years Interview
"The whole field of children's centre work is currently very politicised. Everybody's got a view on what should happen," says Sue Webster, co-ordinator of the Children's Centre Leaders' Network.

"I think that makes it difficult for centre leaders because there is sometimes an implication that centres are not achieving anything. That is not the case."

Since Webster first began leading a Sure Start centre in Coventry eight years ago, the government's children's centre programme has been open to criticism. It is often accused of failing to meet its original purpose of engaging with and supporting the most deprived families. And in the current economic climate, no party can commit to the funding levels the programme has been afforded for the past decade.

"You go into centres and meet families whose lives have been transformed, but it is quite small scale," says Webster. "However, children's centres are quite new and you have to start somewhere and build up."

Register Now to Continue Reading

Thank you for visiting Children & Young People Now and making use of our archive of more than 60,000 expert features, topics hubs, case studies and policy updates. Why not register today and enjoy the following great benefits:

What's Included

  • Free access to 4 subscriber-only articles per month

  • Email newsletter providing advice and guidance across the sector

Register

Already have an account? Sign in here


More like this

Hertfordshire Youth Workers

“Opportunities in districts teams and countywide”

Administration Apprentice

SE1 7JY, London (Greater)