Sure Start is a Government programme that brings together early education, childcare, health and family support so that every child gets the best possible start in life. It covers targeted services in disadvantaged areas, and Government Offices work to deliver the programme in the regions.
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Sure Start Local Programmes (SSLPs) were set up between 1999 and 2003 in the most disadvantaged areas of the country. They brought together a range of service providers such as health, social services and early education, as well as voluntary, private and community organisations and parents themselves to provide integrated services for young children under 5 years old and their families. The Sure Start Children’s Centre programme is based on the concept that providing integrated education, care, family support, health services and support with employment are key factors in determining good outcomes for children and their parents.
From 2003 onwards the Government began to introduce a universal programme of Sure Start Children’s Centres, and by 2006 all SSLPs became Children’s Centres. There are now nearly 2,500 centres open nationally - 415 in the North West - with almost two million families nationally now benefiting from the range of services on offer. By 2010 there will be 3,500 children’s centres, one for every community, so that every child and family can benefit from the services on offer.
