Around 3,500 Sure Start Children's Centres contribute to the strategic objective of Every Child Matters, the initiative that aims to give all children the support they need to be healthy, stay safe, enjoy and achieve, make a positive contribution and achieve economic well-being.In the UK's 30 per cent most deprived areas, 'core offer' children's centres provide integrated early learning and childcare for a minimum of ten hours a day, five days a week, 48 weeks a year, and support for a childminder network. There is teacher input, child and family health services, parental outreach, family support services, support for children and parents with special needs, and effective links with Jobcentre Plus to support parents/carers considering training or employment.
In the 70 per cent least disadvantaged areas, centres open at times that meet local demand with a graduated range of services.
The Department for Education recommends that centres work in consultation with advisory bodies composed of parent representatives, local community partners, voluntary and statutory services, Jobcentre Plus and other key partners.
The core purpose of the children's centre co-ordinator is to ensure a centre really makes a difference to the individual children and families it serves. Forging strong working relationships with children, families, centre staff, partner agencies and the local community, the co-ordinator identifies new and creative ways for staff from different disciplines to work together.
The co-ordinator takes the lead in offering high-quality teaching and learning so that children, parents and staff become independent and successful learners. Safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children is also paramount.
He or she takes the lead in developing policies, objectives and a delivery plan that complies with legal requirements, and works with the advisory board in the performance management process.
TRAINING
The Department for Education requires that appointments are from existing head teachers or managers in the health or social services with experience in co-ordinating and developing services for families with children up to 19 years.
Co-ordinators should have, or be working towards the National Professional Qualification in Integrated Centre Leadership (NPQICL). The National College for Leadership of Schools and Children's Services designed this course specifically for those in a leadership position in a designated or approved Sure Start Children's Centre.
A master's level programme, the academic entry requirements are a UK Honours degree at 2.2 or above. Otherwise applicants undertake a 1,000 word graduate skills assessment. Programmes employ a range of learning methods, including face-to-face sessions, online learning and collaborative reflection. Participants have access to a mentor for guidance and challenge. A centre-based assessment visit takes place towards the end of the programme.
Co-ordinators also complete a three-day facilitators' course for delivery of Incredible Years Basic Parenting, an early intervention programme that aims to improve family interaction and prevent early and persistent anti-social behaviour in children aged three to 12.
Since October 2009, all Children's Centre staff are subject to registration under the Independent Safeguarding Authority ISA.
FURTHER INFORMATION
NPQICL National College for Leadership of Schools and Children's Services. E-mail: enquiries@nationalcollege.org.uk
National Standards for Leaders of Sure Start Children's Centres DfES Publications, PO Box 5050, Sherwood Park. Annesley, Nottingham NG15 0DJ. Tel: 0845 60 222 60.
CASE STUDY - Diane Lidster 
Diane spent 27 years in education, first as a teacher, then deputy and then a head teacher. In December 2006, she was employed by Southampton City Council as co-ordinator of Cutbush Children's Centre and later she completed the NPQICL.
Cutbush is one of 14 children's centres in Southampton. On two sites, it serves the Townhill Park and Harefield communities, both core offer areas. There are large council estates of 1960s high-rise flats, housing 930 children under five living in 712 households (April 09). There are a significant number of teenage mothers and lone parents, and increasing numbers of Polish and Russian families.
Diane believes the centre really is making a difference to children's lives.
She says, 'Cutbush is very busy with activities back-to-back from 7.30am until 9pm. Families love to come here because it's such a warm and welcoming place. And the difference has been reflected in the registrations, reach figures and positive feedback from families.
'We are a home for the extended school provision of breakfast and after-school clubs for Townhill Park Infant and Junior schools. We also host the youth club for 13- to 16-year-olds.
'Many of our families live in flats with no gardens. I've used my passion for the outdoors by developing our outdoor space for Forest School type activities, including mud painting, den making, digging, planting, mini-beast hunting and so on. It's become a favourite space for everyone to come to and share.'
Diane's large multi-agency team includes community development workers, project and play development workers, health visitors, nursery nurses, family support workers and administrators. Meeting weekly and monthly, they discuss issues such as safeguarding, health and safety, planning and feedback from groups and activities, lone working, families in need and Ofsted.
'Multi-agency working has its challenges, especially with 16 team members sharing a small office hot-desking. But I'm particularly proud of my leadership role - of enabling our achievements on the ground as a Sure Start multi-agency team, working closely together.'
Diane looks forward to the 2011 completion of a brand new community centre that will provide further accommodation for her Sure Start activities.