MP BACKS CAMPAIGN TO ‘SHOUT OUT FOR A SURE START’

12 February 2010

Stafford’s Labour MP David Kidney is this week giving his backing to a new campaign in support of Sure Start Children’s Centres, which provide universal services for all families and children under five.

The ‘Shout out for a Sure Start’ campaign was launched this week by the charity 4Children and the popular children’s TV character Peppa Pig. The campaign has the support of children’s charities, trade unions and the Children’s Secretary Ed Balls and parents can find out more by visiting the new website at www.shoutoutforasurestart.org.uk

David Kidney says that Sure Start has become a vital part of the support available for parents bringing up children:

“Parents across Stafford tell me all the time how much they value their local Sure Start Children’s Centres, the services on offer and the help and support at hand. I’ve visited regularly our magnificent new Children’s Centre on Faraday Road and parents I talk to there can’t imagine what it would be like if their local Children’s Centre was not there.

“That’s why I’m backing this campaign to shout out for Sure Start and promote the universal services on offer for families across Staffordshire like childcare and healthcare.

“Back in 1997 there were no Children’s Centres but thanks to investment from the Labour government there are now 54 across Staffordshire, offering services to over 41,500 children under 5 and their families.

“The Labour Government has said it will keep investing in Sure Start because the early years of a child’s life are so important. But I know local families will be worried about Conservative plans to cut £200 million each from the Sure Start budget. This is the equivalent of one in five Children’s Centres – 11 of the 54 centres in Staffordshire – having to close their doors.

“David Cameron also says the Tories would take Sure Start away from families on modest and middle incomes and focus it on the poorest families instead. But I think that would be a big step backwards. Sure Start makes a difference to all the families it reaches. It should be open to all parents and children, not just a few. That’s why I’m going to keep shouting out for Sure Start and urge local parents to back the campaign too.”