Sure Start centres get cash boost (From Witney Gazette)

Sure Start centres get cash boost

A network of children's centres offering Oxfordshire parents support and advice is set to expand following a £35m Government cash injection.

Danielle Madge with daughter Poppy, two, at the St Francis Church hall family centre at Cowley, Oxford, one of those set to benefit from the Government cash injection

The money will help provide 12 new centres across the county by March, 2008 - taking the current number from 17 to 29 - and a further 16 centres are planned by 2010.

The centres are part of the Government's flagship Sure Start programme and provide a one-stop shop for support and advice - from maternity checks to childcare to advice on getting back to work.

Oxfordshire County Council's funding deal of £35m, which covers 2008-9 to 2010-11, forms part of a national package of £4bn for children's centres, early years education and childcare.

Amanda Smith, the county council's children, young people and families service manager, said: "The overall aim of the funding is to improve outcomes for our youngest children and their families.

"This means that we will be able to proceed with our plans to deliver children's centres across the whole of Oxfordshire by 2010 and enhance services in the most deprived areas."

Some of the money will be targeted at the most disadvantaged areas to enable children's centres to employ extra outreach workers to visit parents in their own homes, and encourage them to take advantage of the parenting support and other services on offer through centres.

The investment will also pay for training and support for crèche workers and ensure there are enough childcare places in each local authority area.