Sure Start

St Anns

Covering a large geographical area the number of children under four is 1200.

The capital works programme involves refurbishment of existing premises to provide enhanced facilities for children and their families. Works at Stonebridge City Farm and Mellors Lodge are complete and new crèche facilities have recently opened at. YWCA, Colville Street.

In the coming 6 months the following works will be undertaken:

• Base 51 - upgrade and refurbish the crèche
• Bluebell Hill Community Centre - refurbishment of the crèche
• Chase Shop Unit 16- office accommodation and drop in for parents
• Chase Shop Unit 18- conversion to provide a crèche.
• Work is also underway in conjunction with the Neighbourhood Nursery Initiative, ACNA and Educare to re open a nursery to the rear of ACNA.

Sure Start St. Anns is developing new initiatives, specifically targeting:

• Improving Social and emotional development.
• Improving health
• Improving ability to learn
• Strengthening Families and communities
• Evaluation

Each of these being delivered with significant support and engagement from the local community, and parents specifically.

Sneinton

Much has happened since funding for Sneinton was approved in November 2001 and a great deal has already been achieved. In all, since January 2002, 20 new workers have been employed to deliver the programme, all based at temporary offices in Sneinton.

Buildings

144 Sneinton Dale will be completed in the autumn, providing opportunities for play, a crèche, clinics, advice sessions and other 'drop in' sessions.

BANCA Playgroup improvements will also be carried out this summer, during the school holidays. This will allow for larger numbers of children to access this facility and for a lunch club to run, providing affordable childcare.

The planned 'Centre for the Child' on Edale Road, is still on track for opening in March 2004. This building will house a much-needed 50 place nursery and family services, such as health services and a toy library.

Services

Sneinton now has some form of drop in type service at various locations on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays. Groups include:

• Toy library sessions
• Women's health group
• The Young Ones (for younger parents)
• Play activities in the library
• Music sessions
• Soft play sessions
• PEEPS groups, to encourage better communication

In the coming year, Sure Start Sneinton will seek to develop a much higher profile in the community with our new base on Sneinton Dale.