The original plan was for at least one centre in each of Wales's 22local authorities. But education minister Jane Davidson has toldChildren Now there would be more than double that number by the end ofthe year. "We're heading for 45. People are so enthusiastic," shesaid.
A programme of integrated centres was first announced in the assemblygovernment's Childcare Action Plan, published in 2002.
The centres are regarded as central to the government's Flying Startinitiative to improve the lives of the most disadvantaged young childrenin Wales.
An evaluation by the Institute of Welsh Affairs found centres had beeneffective in forging community ties and creating much-need extra support(Children Now, 15-21 March 2006). However, the report also said many hadbeen slow to take off.
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