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

2. ”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

3. Programme Sure Start in EuropeUK
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
pilot centres; until 2003 – over 520 local centres

4. 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

5. 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 – implemented with EU funds
At present, 114 houses /run by municipality, church, NGO or coalition/ offer services to more than children

6. 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

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

8. 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

9. 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

10. Sure Start House

12. 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 ...

13. 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

14. 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 ...

15. 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

16. 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

17. Thank you for the attention!