FAQ

Integrated working the key to success

Schools are finding out vulnerable pupils are supported better when teams of staff from different professional backgrounds work together.

Book INSET session today

Click to book

Core Offer in the most disadvantaged areas:

  

  • good quality early learning combined with full day-care provision for children (minimum 10 hours/day, 5 days/week, 48 weeks/ year)
  • good quality teacher input to lead the development of learning within the Centre
  • child & family health services, including antenatal services
  • parental outreach
  • family support services
  • a base for a childminder network
  • support for children & parents with special needs
  • effective links with Jobcentre Plus to support parents/carers who wish to consider training or employment.

Core offer for families in the more advantages areas: 

  • appropriate support and outreach services to parents/carers & children who have been identified as in need of them
  • information & advice to parents/carers on a range of subjects, including local childcare, looking after babies & young children, local early years provision (childcare & early learning) education services for 3 & 4 year olds
  • support to childminders
  • drop-in sessions and other activities for children and parents/carers at the Centre
  • links to Jobcentre Plus services.

Read more on Core offer

  

Children's Centre Practice Guidance  February 2008
The Impact of Children's Centres and Extended Schools evaluation
  
Ofsted have published the results of their evaluation on the impact of Children's Centres and extended schools on children, young people and families.

The evaluation was carried out between September 2006 and April 2007.

A survey was conducted and Ofsted Inspectors visited 30 children’s centres and 32 schools in 54 local authorities that had established, or were developing, extended services.

Basically, Inspectors wanted to find out how well Children's Centres and Extended Schools were doing on the Every Child Matters front, and how the services were impacting on the development of young children. 

Inspectors were particularly keen to find out the views of families with children and young people in persistent poverty and other vulnerable groups. 

Inspectors also wanted to find out whether the core offer was being delivered by Sure Start Children's Centres and Extended Schools.

See Core offer in right hand column.   

  

The full Ofsted report  

'How well are they doing?

The impact of children’s centres and extended schools'

is available on the Ofsted website

Published: January 2008

Reference no: 070021

 

 

  

  

  

Make a real impact today!

Success depends on building effective inter-professional relationships.  

Book INSET session today

Click to book

Call 01623 870555

More information

You know a lot, so share what you've got.

Establish models of good practice.

Inspire 

  

  

Children's Centres and Extended schools

How well are we doing?                                                                                                8 February 2008

How well are we doing?

Over three quarters of children's centres involved in the evaluation were reported to be providing 'good or better services.' Centres were very effectively integrating  early education and childcare.

Children's progress was 'at least good' in two thirds of the Children's Centres observed by the Inspectors.

BUT 'CENTRES DID NOT MONITOR EFFECTIVELY THE IMPACT OF THEIR PROVISION ON CHILDREN'S LONGER TERM DEVELOPMENT.  

Evaluation help Click for help with evaluation

Schools reported that those children who had joined them after being involved in Children's Centre services and activities, 'had positive attitudes, and were well prepared for and enjoyed learning.'   

  

Some schools and children’s centres were not proactive enough 'in reaching out to groups, including fathers and some minority ethnic groups, who did not use the provision.

Let ProCEEd help you reach out to those people you are missing. Click for help with evaluation.