Speaking at a conference organised by campaign group Fathers Direct,Hughes indicated she would come down hard on local authorities thatdeveloped centres that failed to appeal to fathers.
She said: "We have been clear in our guidance to local authorities thatin developing their centres we expect them to consult and involve bothfathers and mothers."
Hughes said she wanted this policy carried into schools and called onhead teachers and councils to ensure fathers are "actively engaged" intheir child's learning.
Fathers Direct spokesman Jack O'Sullivan said: "We were impressed bywhat she had to say. The guidance is there for children's centres butnow we have a firm message surrounding the role fathers play comingstraight from the top."
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