Rewards For Children's Centres

21 September 2011, 07:14 | Updated: 21 September 2011, 07:19

Portsmouth has been chosen by the Government to trial a ‘payment by results’ scheme in children's centres.

The trial, which is scheduled to run until March 2013, will mean local authorities receive rewards for reaching the most vulnerable families, improving family health and raising attainment of children at age five. The extra cash will then go back into improving services even more.

Councillor Rob Wood, Portsmouth City Council's cabinet member for children’s services, said: “Being chosen for the trial means that we will be able to demonstrate that our children’s centres really do make a difference to families locally. We welcome the extra funding this brings which will allow us to provide more help and support across the whole of Portsmouth.”

Children's Minister Sarah Teather said: “I'm pleased to announce a further 18 areas will be trialling a new way of working, looking at how we can reward children's centres for improving outcomes for families. We are putting a particular focus on disadvantaged families getting the help they need in children's centres, and on ensuring that every child develops well and starts school ready and able to learn.”

Portsmouth has 16 children’s centres across the city.