Our letter appearing in the Observer tomorrow:
Dear Editor
On Father’s Day, we remind David Cameron of his promise to our children; to safeguard Sure Start and improve children’s life chances. A promise he has broken.
His cuts mean some areas have 25% less than last year to spend on early years’ services, and the loss of the ringfence means councils don’t even have to spend that money on children.
As a result, the Sure Start network of centres is being hollowed out.
The loss is greater than he may imagine.
Children’s centres are a place where kids from all backgrounds play and learn.
Disabled children mix with others and receive specialised care.
Parents access training, help with job applications, support with Post Natal Depression and all aspects of parenting.
Developmental problems and safeguarding issues are spotted early, improving lives and saving money later on.
These services are vital to the well-being of families. And the foundation for a better society, more important than a ‘big’ one.
Children are too small for a big society. They can’t make their own luck or defend their rights – yet they are bearing the burden of others’ mistakes.
We simply ask David Cameron to keep his promise; to rethink his cuts, or at least reinstate the ringfence.
Because every child matters.
Louise King, No Cuts For Kids.
Derby Save our Sure Start
Hampshire Save our Children’s Centres
Manchester Save our Sure Start
Stoke Save our Sure Start
Corby Pen Green Save our Children’s Centres
Birmingham Save our Children’s Centres
Sheffield Defend our Sure Start
London Save our Children’s Centres (Camden, Haringey, Westminster, Lambeth and Southwark)
No Cuts For Kids 