Sarah campaigns for Children's Centres

Amidst the consultation process to close 13 of Rotherham's Sure Start Children's Centres, Sarah has vowed to do all she can to help save this vital service. Sure Start was introduced by the last Labour Government to support children under five and their families. A national network of almost 4,000 Children's Centres was established, with 22 opening in Rotherham. They offer many activities including childcare, access to health, education, parenting and employability support.

There is clear evidence that supporting children in the Early Years is the surest way to broaden their opportunities in later life. But in the UK, Early Years support has historically been patchy with deprived areas least likely to have access to quality provision. Sure Start was a huge step in rectifying this situation.

Sarah has been meeting with members of the local community who use these centres, and has drafted in help from Labour Friends of Sure Start, to look at what is happening in other areas of the country also hit by these brutal Government cuts.

Cllr Michael Pavey, Director of Labour Friends of Sure Start has been involved in the process, he said: "Sarah is doing a great job campaigning against the Government's scandalous cuts to Sure Start.

We are delighted to be working with her to ensure that families across Rotherham continue to enjoy these priceless services."

Sarah Champion MP said: I have been speaking to some of the people that have been hit hardest by these continual government cuts. Their passion for Sure Start is testament to what these services bring to our communities. They're determined to save our Sure Starts and I'm determined to help them."

We need to look at other options, including the possibility of a co-operative model that would embed all our values and become a centre for the people. If these centres close, we'll never get the services back and we need to stop that happening.

The government is sabotaging Sure Start, just before the 2010 election, David Cameron promised to keep and improve the centres, since then nearly 600 have closed. This is just another example of broken promises from this Tory-led Government and the horrendous cuts that have been imposed on our council. I plea to everyone affected to engage with the consultation.

For further information on the Sure Start consultation process visit here

For further information on Labour Friends of Sure Start click here