MP's Questions

Barry Sheerman (Huddersfield, Labour)

To ask the Secretary of State for Children, Schools and Families what steps he plans to take to ensure all parents and children are able to access their nearest Sure Start centre.

Dawn Primarolo (Minister of State, Department for Children, Schools and Families; Bristol South, Labour)

The Government are allocating over £1 billion a year to local authorities to support services in Sure Start Children's Centres. Our practice guidance makes it clear that parents and families should have access to the support they need irrespective of where they live. Children's centres are changing the way many parents' access essential services during their children's early years by delivering them closer to homes and in ways that suit the needs of families.

All Sure Start Children's Centres are expected to provide outreach services to help make a real difference to families who cannot or choose not to access services, providing important information and access to services such as childcare and family support.

In addition, we are working to improve parents' awareness of their local children's centre, including the launch in September of a national communications campaign to raise awareness of Sure Start Children's Centres among parents, with a particular focus on those living in areas of high deprivation.

We are on track to achieve our target of at least 3,500 Sure Start Children's Centres (one for every community) by March 2010, offering access to services for all children under five and their families.