The Sure Start Unit has headquarters based in London and a regional structure with teams based in each of the nine Government Offices.
The programme aims to:
- increase the availability of childcare for all children
- work with parents-to-be, parents and children to promote the physical, intellectual and social development of babies and young children
- support parents as parents and in their aspirations towards employment
Particular focus is on those who are disadvantaged, enabling them to flourish at home and in school as well as allowing parents to work and tackling child poverty.
Evidence collected during the Government’s 2002 review of childcare showed that:
- childcare can make a positive difference to children, parents and communities – helping to tackle child poverty, improve children’s achievements at school, allow parents to choose work as a route out of poverty, improve health and reduce crime
- children, parents and communities benefit when childcare, early education, health and family support are offered together. There are significant pay-offs in offering these services to disadvantaged young children
The review concluded that:
- there is a strong case for the Government to invest in new, good quality childcare
- existing services should be expanded and should place more emphasis on health and family support
- new investment in childcare services needs to be backed by strengthening the role of local authorities in ensuring delivery
More information - including programme contact details, discussion boards and job vacancies in local programmes - is on the Sure Start website. There is also a Sure Start National Enquiry Line on 0870 000 2288 and an email address for further information, which is info.surestart@dcsf.gsi.gov.uk.
