The government is to launch a consultation later this year over changes to Sure Start statutory guidance so that parents and community groups can apply directly to councils to run centres without having to seek central government approval.
However, Daycare Trust chief executive Anand Shukla said: "We welcome moves to give parents greater involvement in running children’s centres, but the most important thing is that funding is available to maintain the network of essential services and support that children’s centres provide. In too many areas children’s centres are being closed or seeing services cut."
He added that parents are already involved in children’s centres, including campaigning against closures and cuts to services.
Children’s minister Sarah Teather said: "Children's centres are at the heart of community life. New proposals to enable parents and communities to help run children's centres will give local people more control and influence over the services they use on a daily basis."
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