The network will be run by Together For Children and the NationalCollege of School Leadership.
Ms Hughes told the conference, 'This will give means of developing anddisseminating good practice and of gaining mutual support in yourroles.'
She also announced a reference group of Sure Start leaders who will meetwith ministers twice a year.
Ms Hughes unveiled new guidance to help centres work with black andminority ethnic families, and a communications toolkit.
Later this month Together For Children will publish a child povertytoolkit with advice on reaching workless households.
During a question and answer session with a ministerial panel,conference delegates expressed their uncertainties over local authorityfunding.
Ms Hughes said, 'I can't allocate those budgets; it's not the way it'sgoing to work. If you feel your local authority isn't acting fairly,locally you've got to make your case.'
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