§ Martin LintonTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills (1) when he will introduce children's centres to the most disadvantaged areas in England; and what plans he has to open children's centres for disadvantaged families in Battersea; [76610]
(2) what investment is being made to enable disadvantaged families in Battersea to benefit from Sure Start style services available to those in the existing Sure Start catchment area in Battersea. [76609]
§ Maria EagleThe Government's recent spending review resulted in a significant increase in the combined budget for child care, early years and Sure Start, rising to £1.5 billion in 2005–06. The extra investment will support the integration of good quality child care with early years education, family support and health services through the creation of children's centres in disadvantaged areas, building on the good practice that exists in Sure Start and Early Excellence Centres. By March 2006, an additional 300,000 children and their parents will have access to health, education and other services through children's centres. Announcements about the location of children's centres will be made in due course.