Kent County Council and partner agencies have now decided where the next group of children’s centres should be built.  Thirteen locations have been sent to the Government Department for Schools, Children and Families (DSCF) for final approval.

In 2003, the government decided that every local authority should identify locations for children’s centres, initially within the most deprived wards. By the end of 2008 Kent County Council aims to have 72 fully operational children’s centres across the county.  By 2010 it is the government’s intention that every community will be able to access children’s services through a children’s centre.

The centres, funded by the General Sure Start Grant, serve children and their families from birth until children start in reception or Year 1 at primary school. Each offers a wide range of services to families with babies and pre-school children. (See note to editors for a list of services).

KCC, along with partner agencies, has proposed the following locations for the next 13 children’s centres:

• Ashford: Hothfield and Tenterden
• Canterbury: Parkside Neighbourhood Centre, Swalecliffe and Wincheap
• Dartford: Joydens Wood
• Dover: Mongeham
• Swale: Queensborough/Rushenden
• Thanet: Clifftonville, Garlinge and Priory
• Tunbridge Wells: Broadwater and ST Paul's

Each of these locations would have either existing accommodation refurbished or new buildings to house the centres.

KCC Cabinet Member for Children, Families and Education Mark Dance said:

Children’s centres relate directly to one of the Towards 2010 targets set out by the county council – ‘continue to offer and develop further multi-agency support to parents by helping them with the problems they and their children face in every day life’.

For further information contact Ella Hughes / Ian Tucker at Kent County Council Press Office on 01622 694933/31 or email ella.hughes@kent.gov.uk / ian.tucker@kent.gov.uk or visit:
http://www.kent.gov.uk/education-and-learning/childcare-and-nursery-education/childrens-centres.htm