I was very disappointed to read of Andy Killeen's comments on the threat as he is saw it of co-located children's centres (CYP Now, 26 September-2 October). Phrases such as "could become dominant partners", "may decide to pool budgets", "could see their interests sidelined" is hardly a position based upon evidence.
This scaremongering approach flies in the face of substantial evidence from Ofsted of good practice in integrated centres. I would welcome him to visit Goddard Park in Swindon or the many other outstanding examples of such integrated school and community centres.
Children's life chances involve good parenting, a good start in life, good health and educational skills and values. These elements might need some support at times, but attainment and welfare are part of the needs of the whole child.
I'm also pleased there is a variety of children's centre governance including full integration with schools, voluntary agency leads, or those that are health led. And simple audit mechanisms illustrate how budgets are deployed and funding used.
Good practice is widespread and needs to be nurtured by positive training and open minds.
Mike Welsh, head of Goddard Park Community Primary School, Swindon
- Defending single parents
I have just read Howard Williamson's article in Children & Young People Now (26 September-2 October). I have never responded to anything in the media before but felt the need to express my views.
I refer to this paragraph: "Beech grew up in the very worst of circumstances, one of only two in my study from a single mother household. Yet he extricated himself from that environment, gained some useful educational qualifications and set out on a high road to success."
Williamson should apologise to lone parents. The children of "single mother households" are not automatically disadvantaged because of their circumstances. Many thrive as well as or better than those of two parent households, and this is not despite their circumstances or environment.
Julie Horne, East Sussex
- The eradication of bullying
4Children was delighted by Children's Secretary Ed Balls' pledge to eradicate bullying in his speech to the Labour Party conference.
4Children has campaigned over the summer through its youth review for this commitment and as an essential constituent of its Manifesto for Children and Young People, which was launched at the conference.
With 4Children's Battle to Engage pamphlet showing young people's faith and interest in politics is at an all-time low, it is more important than ever that government demonstrates its commitment to families by responding effectively and directly to their concerns.
Craig Jones, director of the Make Space campaign, 4Children
- The editor, Children & Young People Now, 174 Hammersmith Road, London W6 7JP, cypnow@haymarket.com, 020 8267 4706
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