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23/06/2004
Government hails family benefits of Sure Start programme
The Sure Start programme is helping parents to improve their relationships with their children, according to research published today.
Local Sure Start programmes aim to improve the health and wellbeing of families and children up to the age of four. There are now 524 local programmes, helping up to 400,000 children living in disadvantaged areas.
The Sure Start programme in Ravensdale, Nottinghamshire, was cited as example of how the scheme has had a positive impact on the local community. A random sample of 80 householders found that 72% felt that there had an improvement in family support services since Sure Start had started to provide them and 91% of users described the services received as excellent, very good or good.
Children's Minister Margaret Hodge said: "The evidence is clear that we must continue to focus our energy and resources on the early years to give every child the opportunity to succeed."
Ms Hodge added that – with more than one million new childcare places have been created since 1997 – government investment has made a difference to parents.
"We are now building on the success of these programmes to create 1,700 Children's Centres by 2008, which will provide joined up childcare, early education, health, employment and family support," she added.
(gmcg)
Local Sure Start programmes aim to improve the health and wellbeing of families and children up to the age of four. There are now 524 local programmes, helping up to 400,000 children living in disadvantaged areas.
The Sure Start programme in Ravensdale, Nottinghamshire, was cited as example of how the scheme has had a positive impact on the local community. A random sample of 80 householders found that 72% felt that there had an improvement in family support services since Sure Start had started to provide them and 91% of users described the services received as excellent, very good or good.
Children's Minister Margaret Hodge said: "The evidence is clear that we must continue to focus our energy and resources on the early years to give every child the opportunity to succeed."
Ms Hodge added that – with more than one million new childcare places have been created since 1997 – government investment has made a difference to parents.
"We are now building on the success of these programmes to create 1,700 Children's Centres by 2008, which will provide joined up childcare, early education, health, employment and family support," she added.
(gmcg)
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:It will be cloudy again throughout the day. Mainly dry in the morning, but patchy drizzle in places, becoming more widespread and persistent in the afternoon. Freshening southwesterly winds. Maximum temperature 12 °C.Tonight:Cloudy with a spell of heavy rain pushing south through late evening and the early hours, followed by some clear spells. Minimum temperature 6 °C.
