A Sure Start In Little Ilford
Friday 3rd August 2255
Stephen Timms, MP for East Ham, today welcomed the Government?s approval of
the Sure Start programme in Little Ilford, Newham. A Government grant of £1.7
million over the next three years has been awarded to the local community partnership
scheme. The programme aims to promote the physical, intellectual and social
development of pre-school children.
Over 1000 local children under the age of four
are destined to benefit from Sure Start. It hopes to improve the health and
well-being of families and children before and from birth, so children are ready
to flourish when they go to school. Disadvantaged children in particular are
to be targeted by the scheme, in order to tackle child poverty and social exclusion.
The programme will involve schools, churches and other community organisations
in the Little Ilford area.
Stephen Timms was delighted with the scheme, saying,
"The Sure Start programme in Little Ilford promises to help our pre-school
children in a way that will benefit them both now and in later life. It will
be a valuable resource for Newham?s parents and children." The Little Ilford scheme is part of a national
initiative undertaken by the Government, in partnership with local communities.
The Government hopes to establish at least 500 similar programmes nation wide
by 2004. It is hoped that Sure Start will contribute towards the Government?s
aims of improving educational standards, and tackling poverty.
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