07/05/04 - Barrow Local Committee funds a sure start for childcare and early years education

Cumbria County Council’s Local Committee for Barrow is giving financial backing to moves to improve the quality of childcare and early years education in the town.

The Committee today agreed to help fund a Sure Start development worker who will be part of a Development Sustainability Team which provides advice and support to new and potential service providers.

In Barrow a large Children’s Centre and seven neighbourhood nurseries are being developed. The development workers will support, advise and monitor the projects to ensure financial resources are used appropriately with best value and practice at the fore.

Alan Nicholson, Chair of Barrow Local Committee, said:

“We have agreed to provide just under £17,000 in funding which will be crucial to helping maintain development workers in the area. The team plays a major role in raising the amount of quality childcare by working with groups to highlight training opportunities and areas of good practice.

“In addition they work closely with Health, Job Centre Plus, Social Services and local Sure Start programmes to ensure a co-ordinated approach to all aspects of family wellbeing.

“By funding the team, the Committee recognises the support they provide to all childcare settings in the Barrow area and so implement the Government’s Sure Start agenda to provide high quality early education and childcare.”