A: Most children's centres were born of a central strategy that analysed super output areas, and related data, to identify need. Five years on, we have to use our local intelligence assertively. Living in an area of deprivation doesn't automatically mean someone needs help. Try to identify those with real and addressable needs as part of your early help strategy. Engaging partners to help meet those needs is more important than ever before.
Selling the concept of this change will need careful management. It's the people who do the work and not the buildings that matter, so reducing the capital costs of your programme is a legitimate approach. There's no easy answer to this. Circumstances in large rural areas are very different to those in tight-knit urban communities. But the basics are the same. Take services to those in need, preserve what's good and eliminate the unconvincing.
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