Website of the UK government

Sure Start Children's Centres

There are now over 3,000 Sure Start Children’s Centres across the UK. This is expected to grow to 3,500 by 2010.

Sure Start Children’s Centres not only provide childcare, but expert advice on healthcare, advice on parenting for mums and dads and links to training and job opportunities.

Some centres also have services like mini gyms, vegetable patches, cookery facilities, fathers’ groups, multi-sensory rooms, as well as visiting speech therapists and advice sessions run by midwives and health visitors.

Prime Minister Gordon Brown, said: "Sure Start Children’s Centres provide a vital service for families up and down the country. I know from the many I have visited the real and lasting impact they can have on families by providing them with services which can transform children’s lives.

"Today is a fantastic chance for us to say thank you to all the people who work in Sure Start centres for the work they do to help bring up the next generation.
 
"They form the foundations to so many communities and will not be subject to funding cuts. It is essential we keep investing in the help people need when times are tough - it is the only fair thing to do and it will get us out of this global recession faster than if we try and cut back vital services like these."

Learn more about Sure Start and find your nearest Sure Start centre by following the links below.

• Sure Start Children's Centres (parents section)

• Find schools, childcare services and Sure Start Children's Centres (do it online section)