Lack of transport is main concern for poor rural families
24/11/2009
A lack of affordable and reliable transport is causing misery for low-income families living in the countryside, according to a report by Capacity for the Commission for Rural Communities (CRC).
The report, Peace and Quiet Disadvantage: Insights from Users and Providers of Children's Centres in Rural Communities, found that poor transport links were the main concern among families on low incomes or out of work.
Large distances involved in accessing basic healthcare and dental services and the high cost of train and bus travel means many families miss out. Those living in the smallest villages were the hardest hit, the report found.
Lottery-funded projects boost 'risky' play
19/08/2009
A children's play programme funded by the Big Lottery has allowed children to take part in more 'risky' and adventurous play, according to a new study.
In preliminary findings from a three-year evaluation of the Big Lottery Fund's Children's Play Programme, research consultancy ECOTEC found that it is enabling children to access more play than before, including 'new' forms such as sensory play and 'risky' or adventurous play.
The lottery has earmarked £124m for children's play over three years, with grants of £100,000 to £3m for 1,400 local authority projects for 'free, unstructured play'. It particularly targets disabled children and those living in rural areas and disadvantaged areas.
Call to boost affordable rural housing
14/08/2009
Plans to guarantee affordable housing supply in English rural areas do not go far enough, according to the Countryside Alliance.
The pressure group says Department of Communities and Local Government plans to develop and guarantee long-term affordable housing in rural areas are “a step in the right direction”.
Mobile children's centre hits the road
18/06/2009
A new mobile children's centre has hit the road in Reigate and Banstead in a drive to benefit more youngsters.
Surrey County Council is on target to provide children's centres for nearly 63,000 young children by next April...
But in the run-up to this month's National Childcare Week, the council launched two buses to provide mobile support for children’s centres in rural areas.
Extra Care for Younger Children
30/10/2008
The number of children's centres in Oxfordshire is to increase by more than a third to increase support for rural families, it has been announced.
Bus Brings Services to Rural Sussex
07/05/2008
West Sussex County Council is working on a mobile children's centre, which will take services out to people living in rural areas in the county.