Children’s Centres in 2011: Improving outcomes for the children who use Action for Children Children’s Centres

Action for Children commissioned a research team at King’s College London to evaluate

the impact of Action for Children Children’s Centres on outcomes for vulnerable

children. The study took place during 2010-11. Within the wider context of early

intervention to meet wider family support needs, the study also addressed key topics

including health, inter-agency collaboration; access to services; and the role of

outreach. The study period coincided with robust public and political debate around the

allocation of public spending, alongside an extensive review of services and outcomes

for children and young people, through five parallel reviews.1

Proposed developments in the configuration of community health services for children

and their families, put a spotlight on the existing and potential contribution of Children’s

Centres to undertake the co-ordination of services, as well as have a positive impact on

child outcomes, alongside supporting workforce recruitment and retention; and the

enhancement of inter-agency collaboration.