The research by the University of Oxford with NatCen finds that despite pressure on funding and re-organisation, children’s centres are continuing to work with families from the poorest areas.
In line with Government thinking, most centres are reducing their universal offer and focusing on targeting the most disadvantaged.
The prototype of a children’s centre within ‘pram-pushing’ distance for parents has ‘shifted dramatically’ to networks and clusters, the research found.
The most frequently used services are stay and play, parenting programmes, early learning and childcare, supporting volunteers and volunteering, and breastfeeding.
The ECCE evaluation is focusing on the first two phases of children’s centres in England.
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