Sure Start children’s centres are providing invaluable support for children, their families and the local community, according to the latest report from Ofsted. It praises the effective integration of services, a positive ethos and the ‘can do’ approach of professionals but recommends closer working between the centres and schools.

Read more on CHILDREN’S CENTRES ‘MAKING LIFE-CHANGING DIFFERENCES’…

The communications regulator, Ofcom, has published proposals that could lead to a new single telephone number people can dial when they need non-emergency healthcare in their local area. The plans would enable the Department of Health to introduce one memorable number – 111 – which may be piloted in parts of the country early next year.

Read more on SINGLE PHONE NUMBER FOR MEDICAL EMERGENCIES MOVES STEP CLOSER…

By Fiona Hudson-Kelly

When budget cuts are introduced the first thought is frontline services must be protected. One consequence of this is that training is often the first casualty because its impact is rarely measured and the only numbers available relate to the costs. Another approach is to tackle the problem in an innovative way. Review, rather than cut is a better way forward. Here is a framework for reviewing training to get the best value from a reduced budget.

Read more on THE KEY TO TRAINING THROUGH A RECESSION…