17.10.2006
Major DfES contract awarded to support national rollout of Children's Centres
A cross-sector partnership of leading children’s services organisations has been awarded a major contract to support the development of Children’s Centres across England. The Department for Education and Skills awarded the two-year contract to the Together for Children partnership bringing together 4Children, CareandHealth, ContinYou, PA Consulting and Serco.
The contract comes at a crucial time in the development of Children’s Centres which are increasingly becoming a major focus of children’s service reform and are central to local authorities’ strategies to reduce inequalities for children and families. According to a recent survey, 29 per cent of Directors of Children’s Services see Children’s Centres as a number one priority for next year. Anne Longfield, Chief Executive of 4Children, says, “The development of high quality services for children is fundamental to the work of the partnership which has a wealth of experience to bring. However, the central focus of the programme will be about supporting local authorities to build their capacity. With direct experience of actively delivering our own Children’s Centres, 4Children is deeply aware of both the opportunities and challenges the programme brings. Children’s Centres can offer children the best start and offer real support for parents – most crucially to those in greatest need. Delivering this programme has the potential to reshape our offer for children and families in the most disadvantaged communities. Its legacy has the potential to last for generations to come." The private and voluntary-sector partnership will bring together a unique blend of experience and expertise of local authorities, education, social care, early years and programme management. As a result, Together for Children is uniquely placed to support local authorities in their development of services for children and their families. Working regionally and nationally across England, the partnership will offer support to all 150 local authorities in England. Local authorities will be able to access specialist and customised support, guidance and training, recognising their individual circumstances to help build their capacity and reach targets. The Government is committed to establishing a Children’s Centre for every community by 2010: 3,500 centres in total, with 2,500 by 2008. Almost 1,000 Children’s Centres are currently established. More about Children's Centres
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