Hughes: Sure Start needs to build on success

Beverley Hughes today said the government should build on the success of Sure Start and ensure registered childcare places are sustainable and meet the needs of all parents at the launch of National Sure Start Month.

The children’s minister said it was vital that the needs of all parents were met including those with low incomes, with disabled children or unusual work patterns.

“We know that many programmes are engaging successfully with the most vulnerable children and families, but we must now make sure that every Sure Start Children’s Centre and local programme is giving these families access to the support to which they are entitled,” she added.

Hughes stressed how different the world of early years was from 1997 thanks to Sure Start and highlighted how there were 848 Sure Start Children’s Centres now offering integrated services to over 662,000 young people and their families.

The children’s minister was speaking at the Tate Modern where the largest ever handprint picture – produced by 1,000 children, their carers and parents – was unveiled.