Abstract
This systematic review aimed to identify recurring themes within the current literature regarding the perceived benefits of Sure Start Children's Centres for the families that use them. The systematic review focused on twenty pieces of literature and thematic analysis was used to analyse the data. In order for a benefit to be classed as a theme it must have appeared within 50% or more of the included literature. Overall, there were found to be three themes: support for parents/families, parents able to learn new skills, and improved child development. Therefore, the current government is recommended to re-evaluate budget allocations for Children's Centres, and prevent further budget cuts to help aid the pressures faced by Children's Centres.
Introduction
Defining Children’s Centres
Statutory guidance defines a Sure Start Children's Centre as a place or a group of places 'which is managed by, on behalf of, or under arrangements with the local authority...through which early childhood services are made available, and at which activities for young children are provided' (DfE, 2013b, p.6).
The core purpose of Children's Centres is to improve outcomes for young children and their families and reduce inequalities between families in greatest need and their peers in:
child development and school readiness parenting aspirations and parenting skills, and
child and family health and life chances. (DfE, 2013b, p.7) History of Children’s Centres
In the United Kingdom, Sure Start features as one of the most significant New Labour policy interventions targeted at young children five and below (Hey & Bradford, 2006). The Labour Government initially introduced Sure Start Local Programmes (SSLPs) in 1998, acting as early intervention for young children, focusing on the most disadvantaged children and families. SSLPs were seen as a key mechanism for improving outcomes for young children, reducing inequalities, helping to bring an end to child poverty (Bouchal & Norris, n.d, p.3). Whilst each programme could be adapted to meet the individual needs of each area, and families who used them, SSLPs were required to provide five core services: outreach and home visiting, support for families, good-quality early learning/childcare, healthcare, and support for children and their parents with additional needs (Anning & Hall, 2008, p.12).
However, the Every Child Matters Act (2003) marked a change in the emphasis in the delivery of SSLPs. Services would now be provided in a 'one-stop' Sure Start Children's Centre, with greater local authority oversight
Journal of Undergraduate Research in Education
69 through integration in to existing children's services (Bate & Foster, 2015, p.6). This redesign of Children's centres was a move to make them more streamlined and cost effective (4Children, 2012, p.16). This resulted in a clear picture of change, with centres moving away from the traditional standalone model, towards clusters of centres and sites (DfE, 2015b, p.55). Cluster models shared resources, staff and management, physical spaces, and/or services. In 2003, the government committed to delivering 3,500 Children's Centres across the country by 2010 (Bouchal & Norris, n.d, p.2). This aim was exceeded, as of the 30th April 2010, the total number of designated Children's Centres was 3,631 (DfE, 2010, p.1).Another change in Sure Start policy came in 2004. This change in policy marked the end of Sure Start being aimed particularly at disadvantaged areas, instead becoming a universal provision for all families. This provision promised Sure Start Children's Centres in every community, offering a range of parenting support services, as well as directly provided childcare or easy access to childcare (Field, Eisenstadt & Stanley, 2014, p.6). However, when the Coalition Government came in to power in 2010, the role of Children's Centres changed again. Once more the aim of Children's Centres reverted back to ensuring the most disadvantaged families get the most support. Hence correlating with the core purpose of Children's Centres, outlined by the Department for Education (2013b), to reduce the inequalities between families in greatest needs and their peers.
Since the Conservative Government came to power in 2015, the future of Sure Start Children's Centres seems uncertain. A consultation on the future of Children's Centres had initially been due to launch in autumn 2015, focusing on making sure Children's Centres have the best impact possible on children's lives (Puffet, 2017). This consultation did not and still has not taken place, hence the future of Children's Centres seems uncertain. However, it does appear that The Department for Education is committed to having a consultation on Children's Centres. A Department for Education spokeswoman spoke to Children and Young People Now stating that 'We are considering the future direction for Children's Centres and will provide further detail in due course' (Puffet, 2017).
Services Children's Centres Offer Statutory guidance states that:
'Children's Centres should make available universal and targeted early childhood services, by providing the services at the centre itself, or providing assistance to parents/prospective parents in accessing services provided elsewhere' (DfE, 2013b, p.16).
Whilst the individual services which Children's Centres offer can vary from centre to centre, services commonly offered include: health advice, childcare and early education, employment advice, informal drop-in facilities, and specialist support on parenting (Hall et al., 2015). In a survey carried out in the 4Children (2015) Children's Centre census, 388 Children's Centre managers were asked about the services they offered (see Table 1). It shows the majority of centres offered parent and health services, such as stay and play, though a smaller amount of centres offered services such as relationship support and birth registration. This correlates with a survey