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Conference to look at children's centres

The vision for one-stop children centres will take a step closer to reality when key stakeholders in children's services gather for a conference in Westminster next month.

Hosted by Children Now, the event will be an opportunity to explore how best to take forward this key aspect of the Government's strategy for children's services. Delegates will have the opportunity to hear from professionals about the vision of neighbourhood centres that bring together childcare, early years education, health and social family support for young children and their parents. Attendees will also be able to ask questions and share concerns about these new developments.

According to Children Now's Stephen Hayter, 'It will explore how integrated services can be achieved and delve into ways to avoid displacing existing childcare provision. The conference also has the added aims of looking at how services that run on a large scale by councils or children's trusts can still preserve the neighbourhood focus and community support of Sure Start.'