Sure Start Programme given a boost

Sure Start, which offers a new approach to pre-school child care by including family support in addition to a nursery, currently operates a centre in Darwen and one in Blackburn.

Now the Blackburn scheme -- serving Mill Hill and Livesey -- is set to get its own centre so it can serve the community better.

The new centre, on the site of the former Lord Street day nursery, will house a wide range of facilities for partner organisations. It will also include two nursery rooms, a creche, resource library and cafe.

The Sure Start scheme was set up in Blackburn with £2.2million of Government funding. The project aims to combat social exclusion and give children in deprived areas the best possible start in life.

Parents are consulted before schemes are launched, and the project will revolve around the new community centre.

Blackburn with Darwen Council in partnership with local agencies run the service which offers home visits by experts as well as access to quality play and learning facilities.

One off events are also arranged all year round in a bid to foster a community spirit among parents.

Coun Sue Reid, executive member for social services and the chair of the Darwen Sure Start project, said: "Sure Start is already providing a new level of support for our younger children and their families.

"The fact that parents are directly involved in setting up the schemes is the key to their success."

She added: "The new building will help us develop the scheme by providing even more facilities for young children as well as a meeting place for parent all under one roof."

A similar scheme in Darwen has already been hailed a resounding success, while a project in the centre of Accrington and including the west of the town and Church is currently making progress.

The two Blackburn areas are the latest to be identified for help as part of the national programme.

in the Sure Start office, currently based at Albion Street Nursery, on 01254 692817.