Management Information Sheet
Changes to Children's Centre Services
Following a review of the current Children's Centre Service specification, which is delivered by 12 providers across all parts of Norfolk, the below changes are now being made to ensure that the delivery of their services focuses on children and families where the most difference can be made. These changes could impact on schools' current decision making regarding how targeted support is provided for their children and families.
If you have any questions or wish to seek further clarification please contact your Children's Centre leader who will be happy to advise you further.
6-8 years offer changing from April 2018
The offer of targeted support to families with children aged 6-8 years from Children's Centres Services will not continue from April 2018 enabling more focus on families where there are children aged 0-5 in the household. Children's Centre Services can still be contacted regarding advice and guidance including how to access other appropriate local services for school aged children.
Children's Centre practitioners will no longer be expected to take the lead for Family Support Plans where there are only children in the household over 5 years old. They will continue to work closely with schools and settings to ensure that there is a smooth transition for the child and their family and that support can continue where it is still needed beyond the age of 5.
Further information can be found via your local Children's Centre provider website. Where Children's Centres are currently leading on Family Support Plans (FSPs) for children over 5, these will be reviewed with schools and other partners at future review meetings to ensure that families are clear who will be involved and supporting them going forward.
Adult Learning changes from April 2018
Adult learning and guidance for parents and carers so they can best support their children continues to be a high priority for Children's Centres. This will remain a key area of engagement to support parents and carers to effectively meet the needs of their children pre-birth to aged 5.
Opportunities for employment readiness will be offered through partnership arrangements with training providers and adult learning provision which may not be provided directly by Children's Centre Service providers. These links will ensure that parents/carers can be put in touch with the most suitable source of support or provision including pre-employment training and guidance.
Please ask your local Children's Centre for more details about the available opportunities in their area.