§ Mr. CoakerTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what progress he is making with the Sure Start programme; when(a) the application 437W for the second round of Sure Start bids will be announced and (b) the application brochures will be sent to local authorities; who can bid for Sure Start funding; and when the closing date is for the next round. [85670]
§ Ms JowellGuidance inviting 60 areas of the country to apply for funding was published on 19 January. It was sent to key players across the country including local authorities. On 9 April, the Government announced the first 21 of these Sure Start programmes to be given funding. A further announcement concerning the others will be made soon.
The Government hope to announce the next round of applications in the autumn when Guidance will be sent to local authorities and other providers of services for young children.