Sure Start

Sure Start aims to improve the health and well-being of families and children before and from birth, so children are ready to flourish when they go to school.

It does this through setting up local Sure Start programmes to improve services for families with children under four, in the most deprived areas of the country.

Sure Start is made up of people from a joint working unit, operating across different government departments.

Our three main aims are:

• Improving access to children's play opportunities
• Library related initiatives, such as the Booktrust Bookstart scheme to promote the sharing of books with very young children
• The built environment aspect of the programme; working to ensure that integrated family centres and play facilities are not only fit for their purpose, but built to a high-quality design
  

The wide range of other interests within our remit - the sports, arts and culture - can also contribute to the objectives of the Sure Start Initiative in their promotion of worthwhile and enjoyable experiences for children during their early years.