News

4Children takes on 16 centres

The charity 4Children is to take over the running of 16 children's centres in Wiltshire from this month, in a partnership that is set to increase the number of centres it operates by almost two-thirds.

The charity currently runs 25 children's centres in other parts of the country. 4Children won the contract to manage the centres via a tendering process, and will take over two of the centres from charity Barnado's.

Charles Ellis, deputy chief executive of 4Children, said, 'The county has many families who can benefit from help and support to ensure their children get the best possible start in life. Wiltshire Council is demonstrating its commitment to providing that. 4Children has been successfully running children's centres for some time.'

Gill Hanlan, head of early years and childcare for Wiltshire Council, said, 'The children's centres in Wiltshire are beginning the next stage of their development. Finding effective ways of supporting children and families is the council's top priority and it is exciting to welcome new partners, fresh ideas and innovative ways of working.'