A PROJECT to provide and expand children's centres across Kirklees has been agreed by councillors.
They approved a £400,000 spending plan from their own budget in addition to just over £1m being provided by the Government.
And it is hoped the funds will allow 12 centres to be created in the heart of local communities.
The centres would offer a range of services to support families.
These include health experts, advice on schools, employment opportunities and information about financial support.
Over the next two years, several communities that have not yet benefited from children's centres will be targeted.
Communities set to be included are: Newsome, Fartown, Almondbury, Crosland Moor, Rawthorpe, Botham Hall, Windybank, Fieldhead, Batley, Dewsbury West, Dewsbury South and Chickenley.
Clr Andrew Marchington, who chairs the council's neighbourhood renewal panel, said: "This is excellent news for parents across Kirklees. Children's centres offer an impressive range of services.
"We're now looking to offer even more choice and support for parents, helping them gain access to learning and employment opportunities and helping their children make the best possible start in life."
Trained midwives, health visitors, school staff and family support workers will work through the new centres. Volunteers are also being sought to provide help for parents in their homes.
They could offer assistance with health care, childcare, financial support and home safety.
The Government is set to provide £1,022,500 towards the scheme over the next two years.
The Kirklees money has been allocated from the Neighbourhood Renewal Fund.
