Hull North MP joins in Sure Start Week celebrations

Hull North MP and Schools Minister Diana Johnson today visits The Lemon Tree Children's Centre in Lothian Way, Bransholme, as part of National Sure Start Children's Centres Week.

The week of activities across the country is designed to promote the universal services on offer for families with children under five.

On Monday 14 September, Diana visited McMillan Children's Centre in 21st Avenue on the North Hull Estate. On Friday 18 September Diana will be at the Parks Children's Centre in Courtway Road.

Diana Johnson MP said: "I am pleased to be backing Sure Start Children's Centres Week to promote the universal services on offer for families across Hull - including childcare, healthcare, parenting advice, family support and opportunities to get back into work or training.

"Before the Labour Government was elected there were no Children's Centres. I am delighted that there are now 19 across Hull, offering services to 12,600 children under five and their families.

"By the end of next year there are expected to be a further two Children's Centres open in Hull a total of 21. This will meet Labour's manifesto target of 3,500 Children's Centres nationally by 2010 and every one of them will soon be linked to a named health visitor.

"5,780 Hull children and their families now also benefit from the offer of free childcare for three and four year olds. From this month we are rolling out this offer to two year olds, starting with the most disadvantaged families.

"Parents in Hull North regularly tell me how much they value their local Sure Start Centres, so I want to thank all the Sure Start staff and volunteers in Hull who have helped to make them such a success.

"Unfortunately, the Tories want to slash the Sure Start budget by £200 million per year. This would mean one in five Children's Centres closing or four of the 19 in Hull if the cut was applied evenly across the country. This is just the cuts plans that the Tories have announced so far.

"The Labour Government will keep investing in Sure Start because the early years of a child's life are so important. Early investment in children saves tax-payers money later on. It would be a disaster for Hull to put this progress at risk."

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