Whats on offer

The services provided in each centre will be different in order to meet the individual requirements of the local commuities that they serve.

Full core offer children’s centre

Sure Start Children’s Centres in the most disadvantaged areas will offer the following services as a minimum:

• centre will be open 10 hours a day, 5 days a week, 48 weeks a year

• good quality early learning combined with full day care provision for children

• good quality teacher input to lead the development of learning within the centre

• child and family health services, including ante-natal services

• parental outreach

• family support services

• a base for a childminder network

• support for children and parents with special needs, and

• effective links with Jobcentre Plus to support parents/carers who wish to consider training or employment.

Graduated offer children’s centre

In more advantaged areas, we have flexibility in which services are provided to meet local need.  All Graduated model Sure Start Children’s Centres will have to provide a minimum range of services including:

• appropriate support and outreach services to parents/carers and children who have been identified as in need of them

• information and advice to parents/carers on a range of subjects, including: local childcare, looking after babies and young children, local early years provision (childcare and early learning) education services for 3 & 4 year olds

• support to childminders

• drop-in sessions and other activities for children and carers at the centre

• links to Jobcentre Plus services.