Sure Start Conference Gets Underway

The early years of a child’s life have a powerful influence on the rest of their lives and are important in shaping their intellectual, emotional, social and physical development.

That was the message from NI Education Minister John O’Dowd as he attended a Sure Start conference organised by the Southern Childcare Partnership and Sure Start schemes in the Southern Trust area to celebrate 10 years of Sure Start services in the north of Ireland.

The conference in Armagh was attended by local agencies, experts in early years’ education as well as interested parties working with young children and their families, with the aim of sharing information and building on partnership working.

The Minister said: “The early years in a child’s life are important in helping to shape their future, develop their potential, identify issues early enough so that we can intervene and help give them the opportunities to develop the social, emotional, physical and intellectual skills and dispositions for their future lives.

"We need to make sure that help is offered early to both parents and young children and ensure that we give our children the best possible start in life. They deserve no less.

“That is why I welcome my Department’s funding for the Sure Start programme which provides services to children in the 0-4 age group and their families, living within the most disadvantaged areas of the north of Ireland. Sure Start projects are unique and valuable, enabling the youngest children in our society to get a good start and I welcome the fact that approximately 34,000 children currently have access to these services.”

The Minister continued: “I think that we in Government need to keep looking at the importance of early intervention and support and investment in the early years of a child’s life, as this is when we can make the most difference.

"I raised this in my recent speech to the Assembly, and as I said then, I am committed to bringing forward the Early Years Strategy, to help ensure the best educational outcomes for our children. I recognise that access to quality services such as Sure Start can strengthen the foundation of lifelong learning for all children and support the broad educational and social needs of families.

“My Department’s draft Early Years Strategy acknowledges the success of Sure Start and, depending on resources, we will seek to expand the coverage of Sure Start services over time.”

The Minister concluded: “I would like to pay tribute to all those involved in Sure Start schemes in the southern area and across the north of Ireland; to the parents who engage with Sure Start and to those who plan and deliver the services.

"Without the commitment and enthusiasm of the right people in your projects, Sure Start would not be the success that it is.”

(BMCC)