Sure Start Central
Programme Manager - Simon Dennison
Sure Start Central
60-68 Clovelly Road
Southampton
SO14 0AU
Tel: 023 8033 1635
Fax: 023 8091 5657
Email:surestart.central@southampton.gov.uk
Sure Start is a government programme that aims to ensure every child has the best start in life. It achieves this by bringing together local agencies and parents to coordinate and evaluate activities for under fives in their communities.
This includes health, early education and child care, play, and family support services.
From the early days of pregnancy, through the pre-school years, and introduction to primary schools, your local Sure Start is there to help give your child the best start in life.
What’s on offer? 
Sure Start offers lots of different services and activities, including:
learning through play, toy and book libraries, and parent & toddler group.
health advice from midwives and health visitors including ante natal classes, bumps and babies groups, breastfeeding support groups and baby clinics
support for families with children with additional needs
advice and support for parents including parenting classes, first time parents groups and breakfast groups for dads
information for parents who want to find training and job opportunities
What do Sure Start partners offer?
Play 
Young children develop and learn more in their early years than at any other time of their life. They learn most from their families and through play. Sure Start supports families by providing good quality play, both inside and outdoors. Children learn best when they are given the opportunity to make choices and initiate their own play in a safe, secure and caring environment. Sure Start aims to work alongside families, supporting and continuing the learning that takes place at home, in the many play sessions and activities that are on offer.
Child Care and Learning Opportunities
Sure Start works with the Early Years and Child Care team to ensure that there is sufficient good quality child care for every family that chooses it. This can be provided through Child minders, nurseries and preschools.
Family Support
Every parent and carer has questions, want information and values support at some time in their child's early years. Sure Start is working with partner agencies to ensure that there is a network of good support. This includes one to one work, groups and workshops, written materials, telephone and internet based help that parents and carers can feel confident using.
Health
Midwives and Health Visitors are often the first service that new parents have contact with. They offer a range of support - everything from ante natal and child health clinics to breastfeeding support groups and developmental assessments.
Parental Involvement
Parents and carers are the most important people in a child's life and the most knowledgeable about what they need. The right services provided at the right time in the right way cannot be achieved unless parents' voices are heard.
Sure Start is committed to involving parents at every stage of service planning and evaluation. Sure Start Central has its own Parents' Forum where important issues will be discussed. Parents also have seats on the citywide planning group for all Sure Start services.
If you want your voice to be heard, if you have good ideas and are willing to be involved, then please contact Sure Start Central.
Parents' Prospects 
Sure Start Central provide information about training, courses and employment. Family Advisers are available to give advice, guidance and support to parents looking for work or training and help people to understand issues such as working tax credit and can help parents plan their entry into paid employment.
They see clients on a one to one basis in a friendly environment to talk though aims and possible directions for the future. The Family Advisers can help identify suitable courses and offer continued support throughout training or while looking for work.
To find out more, please call 023 8033 1635 or come and see us at Sure Start Central, 60-68 Clovelly Road, Southampton, SO14 0AU
Find out where we are
- Clovelly Centre (Main Office)
- Northam
- St Mary's School
- Orchard Lane Church
Download the What's On Guide to find out what's running in the Central area.
Courses and Training 
Find out about courses and training in the Central area
Wishes project
Wishes is a new learning project delivered close to where you live – in Sure Start Centres or wherever you feel comfortable.
The Sure Start Central Team
Staff are available at the main office on Clovelly Road from 9.00am-5.00pm Monday to Friday. We also have an office in Northam Community Centre, however you may need to call the main office to check for staff availability at Northam.
