Sure Start Carmarthenshire

The Sure Start Programme is a Welsh Assembly Government led initiative aiming to promote the physical, intellectual and social development of pre-school children – particularly those that are disadvantaged – to ensure that they are ready to thrive when they get to school. In Carmarthenshire the Sure Start Programme was established in 2000 and has led to a range of projects being set up to give young children a positive start in life by supporting families with children under four. Some projects have received additional funding which has enabled them to extend their service and support children aged 4-10 years. Locally, the Partnership has two components; a Management Group that oversees and co-ordinates the strategic direction, implementation and delivery of the Sure Start Programme, and a Practitioner Group to enable different agencies working in Sure Start projects to work jointly, communicate and identify and undertake joint training.

In 2003, the Sure Start Partnership amalgamated with the Early Years Development and Childcare Partnership to form the overarching Children’s Partnership.

Funding:

• 2008-09 Carmarthenshire County Council allocated £979,392 to a network of 13 Projects
• Emphasis on early identification and preventative services.
• Emphasis on evaluating the impact of the Programme.
• Overall targets were set by the Welsh Assembly Government.

To date, there are 13 different Sure Start projects supporting families throughout the County. There are 4 main strands to the Sure Start Programme in Carmarthenshire:

1. Parenting Support
2. Family Centre Developments
3. Special Needs Support Services
4. Extended services for children aged 4-10

1. Parenting Support

The development of parenting provision is based on a tiered approach which acknowledges that the level of need and nature of support will vary between families and over time. It is envisaged that parents may receive a service subject to meeting the relevant criteria and then move up or down the tiers according to changes in need.

Tier 1 – Sure Start Health Development Team
An extension to the health visiting service, whereby trained volunteers (parents themselves) work alongside families in the home and group setting promoting ‘positive parenting’.
Tel: 01554 74 44 27

Tier 2 – Home – Start
A volunteer home based visiting service for families wanting support with at least one child under 5 years.
Tel: 01554 770808 / 01269 593853

Tier 3 – Family Support Workers
Trained staff offering intensive, time limited support in the home, building on existing parenting skills.
Tel: 01554 745150

Tier 4 – Parent and baby Placement
Parent and baby placements for parents who require a high level of support to meet their childs needs.
Tel: 01267 224249

2. Family Centre Development

In conjunction with Plant Dewi and local groups, a network of Family Centres have been developed across the County that offer support and advice to families in a caring environment.

12 Family Centres have now been established across the County in Tumble, Trimsaran, South Cefn Caeau, Betws, Garnant, Carmarthen (2), Llanybydder, Pencader, St Paul’s, Morfa and Felinfoel.

Other areas will have access to a mobile family centre in the form of a double-decker bus. This will be for a targeted period of time with the aim of developing supportive Family Groups. The mobile bus will be visiting: Carway on Monday, Cross Hands on Thursday and Ammanford on Friday between 10.30 am and 3.00pm.
Tel: 01554 745150

3. Special Needs Support Services

As well as the above services being accessible and sensitive to the needs of young children with special needs/ disabilities, additional resources will be available through the following projects:

P.I.N.S. (Pre School Intervention Service)

• A service to all pre-school children in the county who have significant developmental problems.
• By providing early intervention support and advice in the home as well as a group, parents are enabled to build confidence in caring for their child.
• Contact: 01267 234987

Carmarthenshire Referral Scheme

• Provision of one to one workers to enable young children with distinct developmental delay, or behavioural difficulties to attend the local Cylchoedd Meithrin/Playgroups.
• Contact: 01267 222720

Sure Start Speech and Language Therapy Service

• A service which aims to reduce the number of children with speech, language and communication difficulties by the time they start school.
• Contact: 01267 227425

4. Extended Services for Children aged 4-10 years

a. ‘Families Together’ – Plant Dewi

• Parenting support groups operating at Trimsaran and Llanybydder Family Centres
• Contact: 01267 221551

b. Behaviour Management Project – Carmarthenshire NHS Trust

• A project to provide behaviour management support and advice on a 1:1 basis to children (aged 4-10 years) and their families through a mentoring team consisting of Health Visitors, Support Workers and trained volunteers- operational from October 2003.
• Contact: 01554 744427

c. Womens Aid Outreach Childwork Project

• A project which aims to provide support for women & their children (aged 4-10 years), living in the community, who have experienced/ are experiencing the effects of domestic abuse.
• Contact: 01267 238410

For further information please contact: Janine Patrick Sure Start Development Officer Childrens’ Partnership Lime Grove House Lime Grove Avenue Carmarthen SA31 1SW Tel: 01267 224225 jpatrick@carmarthenshire.gov.uk