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County on childcare target for 2010
Hertfordshire Council’s target of setting up a county-wide network of children’s centres by 2010, is on track for completion.
The centres offer services such as early learning for babies, antenatal advice, child health information and support for childminders.
The council has placed a total of 50 children’s centres within Hertfordshire communities in less than two years, and recently announced its intention to place a further 24 across the county. The remaining community locations for eight will be focussed on during September 2008.
Hertfordshire communities in areas such as Bushey, Bushey Heath, Rickmansworth and Chorleywood are all to benefit from the programme.
Jane Pitman, lead member for children’s services, said: “This latest good news brings us close to our commitment of creating a children’s centre in every community.
“The county council’s target is to set up 82 children’s centres by 2010, so this shows that we are well on course to achieving our aim. It is also further proof of the dedication and hard work of everyone involved in this ambitious programme.”
The latest 24 successful applications to set up children’s centres come from schools, charities and primary care trusts. They include the Pre-School Learning Alliance, Hertsmere Leisure and Central Hertfordshire YMCA.
These lead agencies carry out consultations to find out which children’s services are needed in their area.
According to the council, children’s centres are a focus for the local community, and can bring together a whole range of services for young children and their families.
Further, the centres are in place to provide support and help in finding childcare, family support and health services, and also offer employment advice and drop-in sessions. Some have a day nursery on site or close by and links with local childminders.
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