Leading Private and Voluntary consortium wins DfES contract to support national rollout Children's Centres
Date : 17 October 2006
A partnership of leading children's services organisations has been awarded a major contract to support the development of Children's Centres across England.
Following a tender process over the summer, the Department for Education and Skills awarded the two year contract to the Together for Children partnership led by Serco and bringing together CareandHealth, ContinYou, 4Children and PA Consulting.
Working regionally and nationally across England, the partnership will offer all 150 local authorities in England support and challenge to establish Children's Centres. Local authorities will be able to access specialist and customised support, guidance and training recognising their individual circumstances and targets. The Government is committed to establishing a Children's Centre for every community by 2010; 3,500 centres in total, with 2,500 by 2008.
Children's centres provide an integrated range of services to children under five and their families. The aim is for a network of centres across the country offering information, advice and support to parents and carers as well as integrated childcare and early learning, health services, family support, outreach to parents and employment advice. Services offered will vary according to local need and parental choice, with resources targeted at families and communities who need them most.
Elaine Simpson, Managing Director of Serco Education & Children's Services said:
"We are delighted to be awarded this contract and are really looking forward to working in partnership with the DfES, local authorities and others to help deliver his exciting programme. We believe it will contribute to the life chances of so many children and their families. Our partnership, Together for Children, brings together a unique blend of experience of Local Authorities, education, social care, early years and programme management. We are uniquely placed to support local authorities in their development of services to children and their families."
Anne Longfield, Chief Executive of 4Children said: "4Children is delighted to be working with our Together for Children partners to support local authorities. We will bring energy and determination built on our practical experience and strategic expertise in developing and delivering childcare, Children's Centres and extended schools. All are a vital support for today's families. We must not lose momentum in this further revolution of children and family services."