Introduction

Sure Start brings together childcare, early education, health and family support services for families with children under 5 years old. It is the cornerstone of the Government’s drive to tackle child poverty and social exclusion working with parents-to-be, parents/carers and children to promote the physical, intellectual and social development of babies and young children so that they can flourish at home and when they get to school.

Sure Start brings together service providers – statutory providers like health, social services and early education, as well as voluntary, private and community organisations and parents themselves, to provide integrated services for young children and their families based on what local children need and parents want.

Revised Practice Guidance to assist local authorities

Planning Guidance to assist local authorities in setting up Phase 2 Children's Centres (2006-08) - to deliver the Government’s strategy of 2,500 centres by 2008.

Planning and Performance Management Guidance – revised November 2006.