Labour announce plans to save Sure Start and double childcare plans

Labour have announced that they’ll save Sure Start and also double the number of place at them to over 118,000.

They’ll do so by introducing a new statutory obligation on Sure Start centres to provide access to child care. Labour would also give such centres new powers to allow charities and local providers to use the premises, this would make them more accessible to the wider community.

Under the Tories Sure Start centre across the country have been closing and many providers say lack of space or affordable premises.

Tristram Hunt, Shadow Education Secretary has explained the reasoning behind Labour’s announcement :

“Sure Start was one of the greatest achievements of the last Labour government but, under the Tories, there are hundreds fewer while others have reduced services and opening hours.

“It is a scandal that these brilliant community assets are being mothballed or even closed at a time when parents are crying out for decent childcare in their communities.

“We will not succeed as country unless we ensure every child has a decent start in life.

“We will not succeed as a country if parents can’t get to work because they can’t get the childcare they need.

“We will not succeed as a country if we waste resources by allowing Sure Start centres to be idle, empty or even close.

“So we’re going to put the lights back on, get the kids back in and restore the founding purpose of Sure Start.

“Our plan to save Sure Start will place local authorities under a legal obligation to provide access to childcare at these centres – along with the power to do it by opening up the doors to local providers desperate for good premises like these. 

“This plan won’t cost money, it is purely a question of political will and leadership. The Government seems content to sit back and let Sure Start wither away. If the Tories win a second term, I fear Sure Start will disappear in many parts of our country and one of the great progressive programmes will be lost to the next generation. 

“Labour created Sure Start. Labour cares about Sure Start. Labour will save Sure Start.”