However, targets are high and time is tight. Building 2,500 children'scentres by 2008 is a big challenge for local authorities that arealready stretched to capacity. While major government investment hasbeen introduced, setting up and running children's centres involvessubstantial costs.
Ongoing investment remains an open question. In any case, localauthorities will need to be clever and innovative in their strategicplanning to find ways of securing and pooling budgets to support thecentres long term.
Funding from health, regeneration and anti-poverty budgets will beessential if centres are to maximise their potential.
Gaining the support of directors of children's services to lead andshape their development will also be essential. Many local authoritiesare leading the way. Children's centres in Leeds have high-level supportfrom all sectors, particularly health, as part of the NHS strategy toprovide childcare places. This includes capital funding through thestrategic health authority and the Neighbourhood Nurseries initiativeand, in one example, ongoing funding from the five primary care trustsand Leeds Mental Health Trust.
Register Now to Continue Reading
Thank you for visiting Children & Young People Now and making use of our archive of more than 60,000 expert features, topics hubs, case studies and policy updates. Why not register today and enjoy the following great benefits:
What's Included
-
Free access to 4 subscriber-only articles per month
-
Email newsletter providing advice and guidance across the sector
Already have an account? Sign in here
