Labour hits out at children's centre cuts

Speaking to CYP Now, Jenny Chapman, who was appointed in January, said she is “very concerned about [cuts to] children’s centres”.

“I don’t think they’ve been given the chance to show what they can do,” she said.

“Without a doubt, they have a vital role to play.”

Dozens of children’s centres are facing closure or reregistration as local authorities seek to cope with reductions in funding from central government.

Data published in December showed that local authority spending on children’s centres fell from £1.1bn in 2013/14 to £0.9bn in 2014/15.

Under new leader Jeremy Corbyn, the Labour party is yet to announce any firm plans for children’s services or early years provision.

But Chapman said children’s centres are “something that the Labour Party will always prioritise as we know the benefits of having this kind of support outside schools”.

She added that, to a degree, cuts may have been made due to a “poor understanding” of the impact of children's centres.

“We’re beginning to see centres make a real impact,” she said.

“But because there hasn’t been the consistency in approach over the years, it’s difficult to know how beneficial they are as services are being eroded.

“There’s the opportunity there to intervene early [for children] and that’s the magic ingredient.”

Chapman said that funding cuts, and the subsequent restructuring of early help services in some areas – which often involves similar or reduced services being offered in fewer buildings – could have an impact on children and families.

“I think too often the children’s centre loses its identity and parents who may be used to attending the centre don’t continue when it changes as it doesn’t fit with their established routines,” she said.

However, she did say that if managed well, the relocation of children’s centres into sports centres or library buildings can be an opportunity to increase their use.

The government announced last June that it would be carrying out a consultation into the future of children’s centres. However in January CYP Now revealed that this has been delayed. Ofsted has ceased inspections of children’s centres until the consultation has been completed.