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Written question asked by Harry Harpham (Labour) on Thursday, 4 June 2015, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 8 June 2015. It was answered by Sam Gyimah (Conservative) on Wednesday, 10 June 2015 on behalf of the Department for Education.


Children's Centres

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Education, if she will make it her policy to maintain the number of sure start centres in England.

Answer

It is up to local authorities to decide how to organise and commission services from children’s centres in their areas. They are best placed to understand local needs and the different ways they can be supported locally. Local authorities must demonstrate that they have devised ways to ensure that services continue; what matters is the quality and impact of services, and how local needs are being supported.

We are clear in statutory guidance that there is a presumption against closure, and local authorities have a duty to consult where changes are planned to local children’s centre provision.


Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
1236
Session
2015-16
Subjects
Sure Start programme Children's centres
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk