The Sure Start Programme

Early education for all
free part-time early education for three and four year olds
> helping children learn through the Foundation Stage – the part of the National Curriculum which supports the development of children aged
three up to six.

More and better childcare
at least 250,000 new childcare places by March 2006
> making childcare happen – new full or part-time childcare places with start-up grants for childminders, nurseries and after school activities
> making childcare better quality – working with OFSTED to inspect and approve early education and childcare, recruiting and training people
to work with children
> making childcare more affordable – there will be £325 million available
per year to help with childcare costs within the Working Tax Credit
> helping parents find out what’s there – through local Children’s Information Services and a national information service for parents
> linking employment advice to information on childcare.

Local programmes making a difference
children’s centres where they are needed most
> establishing children’s centres where they are needed most – in disadvantaged areas – to offer families early education, childcare and
health and family support with advice on employment opportunities. Children’s centres will link up local Sure Start Programmes, Neighbourhood Nurseries and Early Excellence Centres and extend their success.
ongoing Sure Start local programmes
> Sure Start local programmes will continue to deliver community based services in disadvantaged areas. 400,000 children will get access
to 522 Sure Start local programmes by March 2004.

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