O’Dowd opens new £360,000 Sure Start Centre at Belvoir

Education Minister, John O’Dowd, has officially opened a new Sure Start Centre in Belvoir.

The newly refurbished multipurpose building, formally the Belvoir Clinic and Library premises, will provide Sure Start services in the area and a positive focal point which has the future potential to create a ‘community Early Years hub’ for use by the whole local community.

Speaking at the event, the Minister said:

“We all recognise that quality early years leaning and development have a direct positive impact on a child’s educational outcomes in later life.  This builds on the very first learning done at home from birth and provides a solid basis for every child’s continuing learning journey.  By supporting parents and carers in their role as first and ongoing educators the Sure Start Programme provides a significant contribution to this process.”

Sure Start programmes are specifically designed to reflect and respond to the needs of the local community and having these new facilities will bring much added value to the area.

Continuing the Minister said:

“In 2012 I announced my intention to implement a phased expansion programme to gradually extend Sure Start provision to the top 25% most disadvantaged wards.

“Since then my Department has funded an additional £4.4million investment which has resulted in the creation of four new projects, bringing the total here to 39 and the expansion of catchment areas for 14 existing projects.”

The Department’s funding has enabled the purchase and refurbishment of this building and the extension of Sure Start Services into the Belvoir area.  This will make a significant contribution towards helping our children reach their potential in school and in life, whatever their circumstances. 

In conclusion the Minister commended the South Belfast Sure Start Management Committee, the staff and everyone involved with the Sure Start expansion project.

He said:

“Events such as these not only highlight the importance of Sure Start services to local communities but also demonstrate how effective partnership working between staff, parents, schools, health professionals and other delivery partners underpin successful early years interventions. 

“I have thoroughly enjoyed my visit this morning to the new Belvoir Sure Start Centre and congratulate everyone involved in bringing this centre to fruition.”

Notes to editors: 

1. The Department of Education’s ‘Education Works’ campaign promotes the value of education. This year’s campaign aims to ensure that parents have information on schooling and that they are aware of the steps they can take to ‘Get Involved’ and support their teenager in achieving good outcomes at school. Watch out for the ads on television, radio and outdoor locations. The campaign highlights the vital role families can play in helping children do well at school and improve their life chances. Visit nidirect - Education Works for more information or watch the TV ad on the Department’s YouTube channel.
2. See photos from the Department of Education in our Flickr collection.
3. Media enquiries to the Department of Education Press Office Tel: 028 9127 9207. Out of office hours, contact the Duty Press Officer via pager number 076 99 715 440, and your call will be returned.

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