Beverley Hughes pledges over £3bn for Sure Start

Children’s minister Beverley Hughes today announced over £3bn of funding from 2008-11 for councils to set up Sure Start children’s centres in every community.
The funding is part of a £4bn grant, which will also fund early years and childcare services.
Children’s centres provide a range of services under one roof – including education, childcare, family support and information  – for families with children under five, and today’s funding is designed to meet the government’s target of 3,500 being set up in England by 2010.
Part of the money will pay for outreach workers in disadvantaged areas to help families access services.
The announcement is the latest in a string of government pledges on children’s services for 2008-11, the next spending review period:
• Last week’s youth strategy promised almost £580m for youth services an increase of £184m.
• The Children’s Fund will receive £396m to provide preventive services to disadvantaged families.
• Over £1.3bn has been pledged for extended schools.
• Services for disabled children and their families, including short breaks, will receive £340m.

Related information:

MPs: Sure Start must prioritise disadvantaged families

Essential information on children’s services