New Sure Start centres will give children the best possible start in life

Mar 31 2008 by Neil Atkinson, Huddersfield Daily Examiner

ALL 30 of the new children’s centres planned across Kirklees have been designated as Sure Start Centres.

That means they have been approved by the Governnment to give children the best start in their education and life.

The Kirklees Council’s Early Years Service was given the news by the Department for Children, Schools and Families.

The 100% designation was achieved more than a month earlier than the target date, putting Kirklees among the top 32 local authorities nationally to achieve the designation early.

Clr Jim Dodds, Cabinet member for Children’s Services, said “This is wonderful news for families in Kirklees and we are delighted that we are at the forefront in establishing these new centres for local families.

“It is a credit to the hard work and commitment of the Kirklees Early Years Service in supporting and implementing the council’s drive to establish centres across the district, and be ahead of the game nationally in this important area of service for children and families.

“Sure Start Centres provide innovative ser vices, activities, and support. They are an exciting way of providing a range of integrated services and information.

“Across Kirklees Sure Start Children’s Centres are being developed in new and existing buildings. By 2010 the aim is to have a Sure Start Children's Centre in every neighbourhood in Kirklees.

“The services offered in Sure Start Children's Centres include integrated childcare and education, family support, health services, learning and support for training and employment.

“The aim is for them to be the first stop for local advice and practical support for families. Some Sure Start Children’s Centres will provide these services under one roof, others will have information points to direct people to where they are being provided locally.

“Sure Start Children’s Centres support the government’s Every Child Matters strategy, which sets out to improve outcomes for children and young people, whatever their background or circumstances.”