Councils have been handed a £4bn cash boost from the Government for Sure Start children's centres, early years education and child care. But councils were warned by children's minister, Beverley Hughes, there were now no excuses for delaying new centres. The money will be spread over three years and used to provide a children's centre in every community by 2010, outreach work to the most disadvantaged families, and ensure there are sufficient childcare places in each local authority. It will also go towards training and support for the early years workforce, and ensuring every nursery and children's centre has a graduate to lead children's learning and development. Government ministers said the cash injection underlined their determination to improve life for disadvantaged children in England. ‘The early years are crucial to a child's development and their future prospects,' said Ms Hughes. ‘We need to put services in place that can give every child the very best possible start in life. And local authorities now have the money to make that happen.' As part of the grant, £175M has been earmarked to support private, voluntary and independent sector providers.
