Be sure to check it out (Sure Start Program)

Member Name: wisemind

Product:	Sure Start Program
Date:	10/02/09 (138 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Free courses

Disadvantages: politics can take over from common sense

I have been involved with three sure start centres since my son was born twenty one months ago. They were originally set up to work in the poorer area and while they do a great job ,it seems to get more political and being seen to do the right thing rather that actually doing what helps an individual

The first centre I used I only used to get my son weighed where there was a health visitor present and I could collect multivitamins for myself as I was breastfeeding. I was also able to buy safety equipment and a breastfeeding pump at a dramatically reduced rate. I have been told that they no longer offer this equipment.

The second was when my son was about one year of age and we attended for one weighing session. It was called weigh and play here but there but there were so many tiny babies lying down and my little boy was trying to crawl all over them the parents seemed relieved when we were called up to be weighted so didn't stay to play. We did however attend a group called rhythm and rhyme which was singing, puppets and playing musical instruments. This was a limited size class and my son's attention was in and out but this was considered to be ok.
It was at this centre I was given a sure start worker who got involved as my son was extremely clingy .He was get extremely distressed if I was not in his view. As we were living in a refuge at this time he couldn't be left anywhere so wasn't learning normal separation.
The sure start worker would come to the refuge and started playing with him while I was there and gradually I withdrew so that he had short periods without me but with the support of someone he knew. She has been a great support. She has been on appointments with me and kept my son occupied while I have tried to listen, listened to me, my concerns for my son and offered support and advice. I was promised when I moved that she could support me for as long as I needed it but this service is now been withdrawn as her manager wants to get numbers through her books and as I am now classed as out of area it doesn't go on her figures.

My final sure start centre is where I am currently living .They still have play and weigh sessions but I haven't had my son weighed since he was one. I have no concerns about his weight so don't see the point.
I have attended one group there which is rhythm and Rhyme as described at last centre but my experience was different. By the time we attended this group my son was walking and helping himself to the instruments and puppets when it suited him. I didn't see any harm but the lead woman seemed to get annoyed by his curiosity. This centre was newly opened so they were desperate to get people in and as the course progressed it seemed to get so crowded that there were far less songs and therefore my son was getting bored and finding his own entertainment I did however attend a one off group called "funky Food" which was to encourage children to try different foods. This group was fantastic. There was a pool full of jelly to play in, different stories about food, and play food. They had snack time where all the children were encouraged to sit together and try different foods and may eat them as there peers were. In the group we made a pizza which was cooked while they had a story and some songs to take home for lunch.

There are a wide variety of groups for all age children and support for adults that are run at sure start. These do vary from area to area so you would need to contact your local centre but groups that run in my local area are:
For Babies

Baby massage
Heuristic play
Under 1's group
Weaning Group

For toddlers and older

Cook and Eat
Rhythm and Rhyme
Fit start
Mobile library
Craft crew

For parents

Young parents group
Breast feeding support group
Job centre plus sessions
Behaviour management courses.

All groups are free and some of the parent groups have Crèche facilities available.

They also have drop in sessions by speech and language therapist, health professionals and librarian.

My experience has been mixed. But I would say if you have a young child it is worth popping along. I was shown round the last centre and given a chance to discuss courses available and facilities they could offer.

It has certainly given me a chance to meet other mother in the area and would recommend if you have one near you that you check out what is available

There is more information available at www.surestart.gov.uk

Summary: I have mostly had positive experiences so would recommend to see what your local centre has to offer