Walsall Council leaders pay tribute to Sure Start centres

Council leaders in Walsall have paid tribute to the the borough's network of 18 Sure Start children's centres and the "crucial role" they play - as they reiterated there were no plans to close any down.

Rachel Andrew, cabinet member for children's services, has praised the centres for helping to ensure every child gets a good start in life.

She said the centres are helping parents and families support their children's early social and emotional development.

Councillor Andrew's comments follow speculation about the future of similar centres in other parts of the country.

"We have no plans to close our Sure Start children's centres in Walsall," she said.

"We recognise they have a crucial role in helping vulnerable families at those times when they need additional support to look after their children.

"To reinforce this direct work with families our Sure Start Children's Centres are further developing early intervention support to help nip problems in the bud which can reduce the call on statutory services further down the line."

Walsall Council is funding the centres using an Early Intervention Grant from the government. Services offered by children's centres include support to families in the home, antenatal groups and playgroups.