Children in Wales facilitates an Integrated Children’s Centres All-Wales Network which aims to provide a point of contact for all the centres.

Integrated Children’s Centres are joint initiatives between local communities, the voluntary sector, education, health and social services. Each centre acts as a link between a network of providers such as parent and toddler groups, play groups, childminders, out of school clubs, adventure playgrounds and other leisure activities for young people.  Through this link they are able to provide enrichment and skills for children, families and communities. Some centres include parenting support services and are a base for health visitors. There is at least one centre located in every local authority in Wales.

Children in Wales brings the managers of these centres together through the Integrated Children’s Centres All-Wales Network so they can share good practice and learn from one another. The Network provides a forum for them to discuss common issues, strengthen links with the Welsh Assembly Government’s policy agenda and provide them with a stronger voice.  They are able to celebrate the successes, explore the concerns and understand the diversity of the Centres and ensure a co-ordinated approach across Wales.

The Integrated Children’s Centres All-Wales Network is working to:

• Produce common goals for the whole of Wales
• Develop framework for monitoring/evaluating to ensure quality standards
• Establish a website to facilitate the sharing of information
• Inform on appropriate funding streams and discussion of budget issues
• Raise the profile of Integrated Children’s Centres in Wales

Details of Integrated Children’s Centres in each local authority area are available in the In Your Area section of the website.

For more information contact Lynne Hill, Policy Director, e-mail: lynne.hill@childreninwales.org.uk