What are Sure Start Children's Centres?
Children’s centres are service hubs where children under five years old and their families can receive seamless integrated services and information. By 2010, every community will be served by a Sure Start Children’s Centre, offering permanent universal provision across the country, ensuring that every child gets the best start in life.

These services vary according to centre but may include:

• integrated early education and childcare – all centres offering Early Years provision have a minimum half-time qualified teacher (increasing to full-time within 18 months of the centre opening)

• support for parents – including advice on parenting, local childcare options and access to specialist services for families

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