May 8, 2009
MP CELEBRATES SURE START MILESTONE
MP John Healey visited a local children’s centre to celebrate news that 3,000 Sure Start centres have been opened across the country.
The milestone means the government is on track to fulfil its pledge of 3,500 centres open by next year.
Rotherham now has 21 children’s centres, and there are 19 in Barnsley.
The Wentworth MP, who met staff and children at Wath Victoria Sure Start children’s centre today, said: “Parents regularly tell me how much they value their local Sure Start centre and the real help they offer with childcare, healthcare and other services for their children. So I want to thank all the Sure Start staff and volunteers in our area who have helped to make them such a success.
“The early years of a child’s life are so important, and these centres have transformed the services for children under five and their families in our area.”
Bev Kellett, lead teacher at Wath Victoria, and day care manager Jane Mickleborough said the centre helped children’s speech and language development and encouraged a healthy diet, while making the transition to school easier and giving parents the chance to get back to work sooner.