Sure Start Children’s Houses and Early Years Programmes
Sure Start Children’s Houses originated in England in 1999, as a service for families with young children, providing a friendly and inviting environment where parents and children can spend time together. They are also a place where families can wash and eat, where parents can meet with professionals who can support them and help improve their parenting skills, and where they can look for a job. The programme aims to foster inclusion and reduce the risks associated with social disadvantage and isolation. The Sure Start programme has been recognised as best practice by the EU and WHO.
This material is part of a compilation of various case studies from across Europe that show different facets of early childhood development, and the types of policies and interventions that we are promoting through the ‘First Years, First Priority’ campaign. Published in December 2020.