§ Mr. SimmondsTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills how many Sure Start children's centres have been set up in deprived neighbourhoods since 2003. [161016]
§ Margaret HodgeThere are currently 67 children's centres in England, all of which are based in disadvantaged areas. We announced 32 on 23 June 2003, 29 on 24 September 2003 and a further six on 18 February 2004. We are currently considering proposals from local authorities for the wider roll out of this programme, and will announce new locations in the near future as further centres are ready for designation. All children's centres will be based in the 20 per cent. most disadvantaged wards in England, or in pockets of disadvantage outside of these wards.