Gordon Brown visits Stamford Street

The PM announced that a graduate teacher training scheme, Teach First, would be doubled in size over the next few years.

Mr Brown was joined by Ed Balls, secretary of state for children, schools and families, for the visit to Coin Street Neighbourhood Centre where they met children, staff and parents.

"This is exactly the kind of children's centre that we are wanting to have all around the country, which has got children having fun and learning, but there's also services being provided here by midwives, the health service, there's healthy eating in the kitchen, it's rooted in the community, it's a really beautiful sight," said Ed Balls.

"In every community we want a place like this."

The Neighbourhood Centre, which last month won an architectural award, was opened last Autumn by Coin Street Community Builders and includes a 64-place nursery.