Sure Start is a Government programme that brings together early education, childcare, health and family support so that every child gets the best possible start in life. It covers targeted services in disadvantaged areas, and Government Offices work with the contracted organisation "Together for Children" to deliver the programme throughout the region.
An important element of the role is to support the development of Sure Start Children’s Centres across the most disadvantaged areas of the region by March 2008. These will deliver integrated education and childcare, health, family support and information for parents wishing to enter employment or training.
The regional team also supports and monitors the progress of each of the 10 councils and their partnerships in early years and childcare. This area of work focuses on the breadth of the early years and childcare service, including:
- the Children’s Information Service
- recruitment and workforce development
- the achievement of Children's Centre targets
- free early education places
The team also works with 10 Children’s Fund partnerships in the East of England.
