The Council are currently consulting on proposed changes to the early years services. The proposals come on the back of Government cuts to the Council budget. With the limited funds the Government cuts have left us with we need to ensure that we target the funds we have in the most effective way, focusing on those who need support the most. We want to do all we can to make sure more children are school ready and able to learn, and also to help more parents and carers access work. Changes have to be made but the new proposals, if agreed, will be introduced gradually over the next four years.
Some of the proposals include:
• Establishing a citywide outreach service - working closely with GPs, midwifery and health visiting services, and others - that will aim to visit every child at home during the child's first three years.
• Staff will work from existing centres to identify at the earliest opportunity children and families who might need extra help.
• The Council intends to keep open and make better use of existing children's centre buildings so that they deliver a wide range of services to people of all ages, including early years services. There is no proposal to close these buildings.
• The Council will still ensure that 15 hours free day care is available for all three and four year olds with additional support for children and families who most need it.
For details of information sessions about the proposals or to submit comments visit: www.manchester.gov.uk/surestartchanges
Make sure you have your say on this important consultation.
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