VCS Conference

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VCS Conference November 2008
Extended Schools Childrens Centres Workshop
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Workshop Overview

• HCTPs approach to childrens centres and
  extended schools
• What Childrens centres and extended schools do
• Commissioning and the role of the voluntary
  sector
• Group discussion- improving and building VCS
  partnerships

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Hertfordshire Childrens Centres
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What is a Childrens Centre?

• Access to good quality early years provision
• Activities for children and parents, egg stay and
  play, parent groups
• Information and advice for parents
• Parent support
• Access to community health programmes
• Links with Job Centre Plus
• Outreach for vulnerable groups

A place in the community offering access to
services for children 0-4 and their families.
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Extended Schools Core Offer
A varied menu of activities
Quality childcare
All year round 8am-6pm
on site or through local providers
including study support
Parenting support
Swift and easy access Community Access
to specialised support services
including family learning
including adult learning
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Where are we now with Childrens Centres and
Extended Schools ?

• 50 designated childrens centres
• 32 Phase 3 lead agencies selected
• Capital plans for phase 3 childrens centres
  under development
• Target of 82 designated centres by March 2010
• 51 of schools providing access to the full core
  offer
• Target of 85 of schools by Sept 2009 and 100
  2010

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Our commissioning approach

• Specification that sets out what a lead agency or
  hub school has to deliver
• Open to all childrens services
  organisations/schools to apply
• Selection process
• Service level agreements
• Different from many LAs who directly manage
  childrens centres and support staff
• Gives local flexibility

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Role of VCS

• Lead agencies for children centres
• Partners providing services in local communities
• Providers of new services
• Volunteering

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Discussion

• How do the priorities of your organisation fit
  with this agenda?
• How can childrens centres and extended schools
  promote and support your work?
• How can volunteering be developed through
  childrens centres and extended schools?