The Chancellor's Budget announcement of funding for 1,700 children's centres in England, ahead of July's spending review, is a sure sign that children's centres are an idea whose time has come.
The Budget provided funding for children's centres in the most disadvantaged wards until 2008. Building on Sure Start programmes, Neighbourhood Nurseries and the extended schools agenda, the centres will bring together childcare and early education, health and family support, employment and other services. The challenge now is making these centres a reality for children and families.
We must also keep our eyes on the long-term pledge by the Chancellor for a children's centre in every community. Indeed some councils are leading the way by planning centres well beyond the 20 per cent most disadvantaged wards.
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