Editor's view - Reinventing the wheel

When I first began writing for Nursery World as a freelancer in 2004, the Labour Government had already made its commitment to reach a target 3,500 Children's Centres. As a journalist new to the sector, I found myself caught up in the excitement of this ambition, especially as my own three children were young at the time. Later on, I had the privilege of visiting and reporting on many excellent centres. Going behind the scenes and talking to dedicated teams was nothing short of inspirational.

Many years down the line it feels as if morale has declined along with the centres themselves, their numbers decimated under sustained Conservative Government cuts. In a post-lockdown world we all need renewed aspirations, and I'm wondering if ‘family hubs’, as an alternative model, are the thing to herald a new sense of optimism? Or is it a case of hubs and political hubris? On page 12, Education Secretary Gavin Williamson flags funding of £14 million – an underwhelming figure. Hardly surprising that some passionate Children's Centre defenders have publicly expressed their anger and dismay at this latest policy move. Children's Centres are still closing as we speak.