§ Mrs. BrookeTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what the average full cost per child care place at a children's centre operating under Sure Start is for children aged(a) 0 to six months, (b) six months to two years and (c) two to four years. [166464]
§ Margaret HodgeThe Sure Start Unit does not collect this information. However according to research undertaken by the Daycare Trust the typical weekly cost of a fulltime nursery place for a child under two ranges from £107—£169. For children over two it ranges from £103–£149. Local authorities and childcare providers will decide on fee policies locally. I As may offer free or subsidised places to children in need.
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§ Mrs. BrookeTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills if he will estimate the full annual running costs of a typical children's centre operating under the Sure Start scheme. [166466]
§ Margaret HodgeIt is not possible to estimate the typical annual running costs for a children's centre. Children's centres will offer a core programme including childcare integrated with early education, health, family and parenting support. They may offer additional services depending on the needs of the community. Local authorities are being asked to work with partners to reshape existing funded services, such as health visiting. Furthermore children's centres will be developed from a variety of existing provision such as Sure Start local programmes, neighbourhood nurseries, early excellence centres, maintained nursery schools and health centres all of which have wide ranging annual budgets.