§ Lord Northbourneasked Her Majesty's Government:
What action they are taking to ensure that parents are involved in policy decisions and programme delivery in children's centres. [HL3691]
§ Baroness Ashton of UphollandChildren's centre policy is based on the lessons from Sure Start local programmes, with their strong emphasis on parent and community involvement in shaping services. Our aim is to ensure that all Sure Start local programmes develop into children's centres and work effectively with their local authorities to share their good practice, including around parental engagement. Local authorities have been given specific responsibility to ensure that parents are consulted about the services they need, and for their delivery through children's centres. The Sure Start Unit is working closely with local authorities and will continue to promote the need for children's centres to consult regularly with parents, and review service provision as their needs change.