'Legislating for Sure Start Children's Centres'. DCSF Consulation resposne by Monday Nov 3rd

[Guest guest]

Dear All

I have attached the document with the response form that is out for consultation from the DCSF.

Do read the document and respond to as there is a lot in there that health visitor and school nurses need to aware of. I have not had time to study it yet-but my attention has been drawn to the following areas by a colleague

They advise "the purpose of the legislation would be to establish SSCC as a legally recognised part of the universal infrastructure for children's services, so that their provision is not seen as the outcome of a time-limited funding regime, but becomes a long term statutory commitment and part of the established landscape of early years provision" I would appear that if SSCC's are not legislated for there is a danger that in future funding will be re-directed.

They highlight the importance of local consultation and discussion with parents and families, this should be supported, however there is very little on staff engagement in terms of development. How does this work in the light of the Darzi pledges and the role of clinicians leading local change. However as this comes from the DCSF and not the DH will that requirement still be there?

They talk about service providers being represented on local boards. Does this mean the staff/clinicians/professionals/managers/commissioners etc? I know on a lot of Children's Centres boards health are only allocated one place and it is often a challenge to have fair representation from all levels of the service. In some areas I have heard that health are struggling to have any representation on these boards.

They highlight the involvement of statutory partners in delivering through SSCC's but then report this would be negotiated locally 'in light of community needs'. Is this currently happening now (in light of Netmums research etc?).

Food for thought.

Best wishesMaggie