An introduction to the Sure Start Children’s Centre

Sure Start is a scheme that began in 1997 with the aim of providing services that would address the disadvantages faced by young children and families living in deprived areas. As the scheme developed, the Sure Start Children’s Centre became the focus of this drive. Open to all - regardless of income - Sure Start Children’s Centres can provide a range of advice and support for parents and carers of children, from the birth of the child until first admission to primary school – look here for an example of a typical Sure Start Children’s Centre: templemillchildrenscentre.co.uk. While the services provided by each children’s centre are developed with the specific needs of the local community in mind, there are several core services that all Sure Start Children’s Centres must provide.

Children’s Centres must provide child and family health services. These can range from breastfeeding support to providing health visitors. Many children’s centres also provide high quality childcare, including early learning opportunities for the children. Those Sure Start Children’s Centres that do not provide child care can offer advice on the best local childcare options.

As well as advising on local childcare, staff at a Sure Start Children’s Centre can also offer help with different aspects of parenting. Different classes can provide information on topics ranging from behaviour management to the dietary content of different foods, and the importance of regular exercise. Many children’s centres can also provide or signpost the way to specialist services such as speech therapy.

While most of the education and training provided through Sure Start Children’s Centres is understandably focussed on the needs of children, there is also plenty of advice directed specifically towards adults. Classes in money and debt management are common, as dealing adequately with financial matters is essential for the health and wellbeing of the whole family. Help in finding local training opportunities and employment is also within the core remit of these children’s centres.

In many areas, a Sure Start Children’s Centre will also provide access to English classes for non-native speakers, usually with a tutor from the same culture. Smoking cessation classes are also common, and many children’s centres also provide access to health professionals such as dentists, physiotherapists, and dieticians.