Help at the Start by Sarah Clark
When raising small children, we need all the help we can get. Often parents live away from their extended family, or both go out to work, or one parent is coping alone … and we can't always get the help we need. The national Sure Start scheme is led by the government and delivered locally. It was launched 10 years ago, with the aim of improving the lives and prospects of small children.
CHILDREN'S CENTRES (UP TO AGE 5)
These are ‘service hubs' designed to provide and coordinate support in childcare, child health, early education and help for parents who are struggling. There are currently 3,000 across the country (rising to 3,500 by 2010), offering support to over 2.3 million kids and their families. Sure Start Children's Centres offer in-house services and links to existing service partners in the community - although the range and quality of what's on offer varies from place to place. Local authorities have the job of delivering them, and they tend to be concentrated in disadvantaged areas. Children's Centres advise on childcare options, and have links to job centres and back-to-work training. Some have baby and toddler groups, providing a lifeline to parents who need a reason to get out of the house or just someone to talk to. They often run baby clinics and have health visitors on site, providing advice on breast-feeding, immunisations, child health and emotional development. Parents can also get help with parenting skills - after all, babies aren't born with an instruction manual.
EARLY LEARNING (AGES 3 TO 4)
Through Sure Start, all families are entitled to funding for a free part-time early education place for 3 and 4 year olds (12.5 hours a week, 38 weeks per year), in one of 37,000 settings across the UK. This early education might take place at the local Children's Centre, at the playgroup in town or at a primary school, or in a privately owned day nursery. Just fill in a form at the nursery or playgroup, and they will arrange the funding - however some private nurseries charge extra on top.
EXTENDED SCHOOLS (UP TO AGE 14)
The government is planning to use local schools to implement its vision of childcare for all, between 8am and 6pm. How schools will deliver access to extended ‘wraparound' childcare will vary, depending on what is already available in the local area and what the community needs. In the next few years, all children up to the age of 14 will have access to before and after school activities, sports clubs and homework time.
HOW TO GET HELP WHEN HELP IS NEEDED
You can find out about what help is available from Sure Start by contacting your nearest Children's Centre. Look it up in the phone book or ask your health visitor or GP. You can search for Children's Centres, childcare, nurseries and schools all in one place at www.schoolsfinder.direct.gov.uk. Sure Start Maternity Grants of £500 are available to help with the cost of a new baby if your income is low. To read more, go to www.surestart.gov.uk