Centres get £14m boost

The cash will come to the city in 2008-9 as part of the programme to have a centre in every part of the city by 2011.

Sheffield already has 15 children’s centres, which offer a range of help to parents including access to childcare, health provision and advice on early years education.

The grant will also support the city’s Surestart centres, which help families in largely deprived areas, and will help provide extended childcare.

The centres are largely targeted at families with children aged under five

As well as child and family health services, they provide training opportunities and advice on finding jobs.