The Sure Start Programme – Practical Model of an Integrated Policy for Early Childhood Development in Europe Maria Petkova Tulip Foundation

”Parental involvement is what contributes to the development of children. It’s not about the education of parents and their income. It's about interaction.“ Prof. James Heckman, March 2015

Programme Sure Start in Europe UK Aim - equal opportunities for children from 0 to 6 years old; prevention of the adverse effects of child poverty and social exclusion of disadvantaged children and limited access to services; health care, social welfare and cognitive development of children at different ages 1997 - 25 pilot centres; until 2003 – over 520 local centres

UK Inter-sectoral cooperation and participation of civil society organisations. Local initiatives. Essence - support on many levels for families with young children by: promoting social, emotional, cognitive and educational development of children improving the skills and abilities of children and parents Supporting the family as a community

Hungary Program to break the cycle of poverty and social exclusion, based on an integrated approach - beginning in 2004 based on the British experience with five pilot centers - in a big city, isolated places with high unemployment, a small town, a village During 2008 - 2012 – implemented with EU funds At present, 114 houses /run by municipality, church, NGO or coalition/ offer services to more than 12 000 children

Hungary The program is part of the legislation for child protection, which ensures stability and state funding Children's houses work closely with social welfare agencies, departments, child and family doctors, health workers, kindergartens, schools, various specialists and others

Other countries Family / child centres Sweden Denmark Germany The Netherlands The Sure Start programme in Central and Eastern Europe – Moldova, Romania, Serbia, Bosnia & Herzegovina

Key characteristics Two generations - children and parents Without stigma – it is not for the problematic, poor, at risk Integrated approach - education, health, social services, community initiatives … Length - long enough to measure and assess the real change Based on local needs, consultation and involvement of parents and local community Culturally appropriate and sensitive to the needs of children and parents

Principles of the Sure Start Programe Focus on the family as a system, not only on children Cooperation of all stakeholders Special attention to vulnerable groups Open year round for at least four hours a day Accounts for specific local needs Accent - missing services in the local community which need to be developed Participation is not mandatory but voluntary The team proactively seeks families and children and attracts them

Sure Start House

Why the Sure Start Programme? Importance of Early Childhood Development .... Research on the impact of social deprivation on the development of children from 0 to 3 years has shown that if they have access to ECD services they compensate despite the living conditions Children can be accessed through kindergarten, school or family Early childhood development begins in the family Holistic approach - health, education, social support, sports, local initiatives ...

The programme has been was tested and its impact is proven in different countries Standards are described - space, number and type of facilities, staff training programme Inclusive - people participate and share resources Format that is not paternalistic, nor based on obligation, instructions, sanctions It works as a system for early warning and early identification

Integrated policy for early childhood development and quality and accessible services for young children and their families - based on inter-institutional cooperation. The overall objective is achieved by coordination of different sectors and families. Easy inclusion of various additional topics when necessary and appropriate – pregnancy, needs of children, positive parenting, violence, nutrition, vaccines, neglect, addictions, education, employment ...

Empowering families and strengthening family ties and community Accessible - every family with a child can participate Applicable virtually anywhere and with any group of children and parents No need for highly skilled professionals or expensive equipment

Children and families are not divided on the grounds of poverty, disability, sex, religion, social or ethnic origin Proven effectiveness for early development and readiness of children for kindergarten and school

Thank you for the attention!