About Sure Start programme

Sure Start is a UK-wide programme that was introduced to support children under the age of four and their families. It supports parents from pregnancy until their child starts school, ensuring children in disadvantaged areas are given the best start in life and helping them reach their potential.

Sure Start helps children to learn new skills and support their social and emotional development as well as support the family's health and wellbeing. This could be through enhanced health visits, or good quality play and children’s centres.

The programme offers a variety of services, such as guidance on parenting or creative and development activities for children.

What is a Sure Start Children’s Centre?

A Sure Start Children’s Centre is a place where parents and carers of children under the age of four, can go for family health and support services or early years’ learning. The services provided depends on the needs of children and their families in the local area. It may be there are a number of first-time mums or dads or parents who are unsure of the best things to do or want to know what help is available. The centres are there for you, to answer any questions or concerns you may have.

Rochdale Sure Start Children's Centres offer a number of different types of activities for you and your children to enjoy. Services include early learning and childcare, parenting advice and health services, and help for parents to find work or training. We have grouped our centres into areas and set a programme of activities across all the areas.