Sure Start Children’s Centres

Government-funded Sure Start children's centres offer families access to a range of services in one location. Sure Start children's centres are located across Royal Greenwich and further services are still being developed.

Sure Start children's centres provide the following services.

Early years education and childcare provision

This includes:

• integrated early learning and childcare
• support for childminders
• links to local schools and out-of-school activities
• early identification of children with special needs and disabilities
• information and advice about childcare services and funding to support childcare costs.

Family support and parental outreach

This includes:

• family visits in the first two months of a child's life
• Families Information Service information and advice for parents and carers about available services, organisations and activities
• support and advice on parenting and other activities that increase awareness of child development
• access to services
• strategies that increase the involvement of fathers.

Children and family health services

This includes:

• antenatal advice
• mental health and emotional support
• smoking cessation
• information and guidance on breastfeeding, hygiene, nutrition and safety.

Careers advice

This includes:

• links with Jobcentre Plus and Greenwich Local Labour and Business
• advice on training and employment.

Sure Start children's centres can also provide many other services depending on local needs and parental choices.