The final report of a feasibility study by Mencap into a national centrefor early intervention was submitted last March. But it has only justbeen made public following pressure from the sector and a Freedom ofInformation request by Children Now.
The study involved consultation with parents, practitioners anddisability experts and revealed huge support for a centre, which wouldco-ordinate information and research, boost education and training andset benchmark standards for services.
The report recommended initial five-year funding from government from2005 to 2010 and suggests two models for running it, costing about5.2m and 5.8m.
However, the Department for Education and Skills has said it will notmake a decision before commencing the government's comprehensivespending review for 2007. "The department has a firm commitment toensuring early intervention is central to future policy development.However, the financial implications of agreeing to fund a nationalcentre for some years are significant," says the DfES response to thestudy.
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