Parents were left angry when it was revealed by the Observer and Advertiser in February that the South Leeds Children’s Centre, Queen Street, was earmarked for closure by Leeds City Counicl.

But the council quickly moved to allay fears that places would be lost and it was announced all children would continue to attend the centre at its new base in Seven Hills Primary School.

Its award-winning staff are now looking to the future and continued success in their new home.

Mr Balls spent a morning with the children and proved he wasn’t afraid to get his hands dirty by joining in their playtime fun.

“The Morley South Children’s Centre has made a huge difference to the lives of local parents - I really enjoyed my visit and getting my hands in the blue gloop with the children,” he said.

“The staff at the centre are doing a great job and it’s clear how much the children gain from their time there, learning through play and making new friends.

“There are now 47 Children’s Centres in Leeds – up from 21 just two years ago and none at all 10 years ago.”

Mr Balls said he knew the staff had mixed feelings at the move.

“The children and staff at Morley South will be moving on to new locations in the coming months as the building that houses the centre returns to church use,” he said.

“I know everyone is sad to leave but all the staff and Pauline Potter, the headteacher at Seven Hills Primary School, have been working hard to help make the transition as easy as possible.

“This week it was announced that we have exceeded our target to have 2,500 Children’s Centres open across England by the end of March. In fact there are over 2,900 Children’s Centres, which means we are well on course to having a Children’s Centre in every community by 2010.”