Question to the Department for Education:
To ask the Secretary of State for Education, how many Sure Start centres are due to be closed over the current Parliament.
The Department does not routinely collect data on the number of anticipated children’s centre closures but expects local authorities to fulfil their duties under the Childcare Act 2006 to ensure sufficient children’s centres to meet the needs of local families. Local authorities must consult fully before any significant changes are made to children’s centre services.