Promoting a joined-up approach to delivering childcare services was the rationale behind the creation of the Sure Start Unit. Now this philosophy is being attempted at ground level with the introduction of Children's Centres.
Children's Centres are intended to integrate care, education, family support and health services in order to better meet the needs of families in the 20 per cent most disadvantaged wards in England. By integrating key services, it is hoped that Centres can improve children's life chances and help their parents access work and training.
Commenting on the Children's Centres, the secretary of state for education and skills, Charles Clarke, said, 'The attainment gap between poor and better-off children must be closed if we are to develop the potential of all young people. We need to ensure children and parents get the support they need right from the start.'
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