§ 36. Mr. DobbinTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what plans he has to develop the early excellence centre programme. [152586]
§ Ms HodgeThe EEC programme is at the forefront of our policies to develop good practice in integrated care, education and family services. 29 centres are making a real difference to the lives of children and their families. On 27 February we announced the designation of six new centres and an additional £17 million to expand the programme. Working closely with Sure Start and Neighbourhood Nurseries, we will create up to 100 centres across the country by 2004.