Sure Start

The aim of Sure Start is to give very young children (from pre-birth to 3 years) the best possible start by working closely with parents and other local authority, health and voluntary agencies to provide a more cohesive service for parent and child in a non-stigmatising way.

Through the provision of a range of services provided in each area we hope to improve children's social and emotional development, their health and their ability to learn, and to strengthen families and communities. By working in partnership with parents and other agencies, and by utilising the wide range of skills available, we can offer a range of services which are available to all parents and carers (grandparents, childminders etc.) of young children aged 0 - 3 years.

Sure Start Service Standards We will, in all cases:

• Respond to all requests for service within one week and advise on availability
• Provide a named contact person to parents/referrers before a service commences
• Consult with parents and take their views into account when planning services
• Consult with colleagues from other relevant agencies when planning services
• Consult with parents on the quality of service provision, service standards and written information
• Ask whether you consider these standards to be relevant to you and whether you believe we are meeting them with our annual customer survey - we will also ask about your satisfaction with our services. We aim to deliver at least 95% customer satisfaction overall

In addition, where individual family support is requested we will:

• Arrange to meet with parents/carers at a convenient location to agree tasks and set plan
• Confirm details in writing of the agreed service being offered
• Review plan within 3 months and at not more than 6 monthly intervals
• Consult with parents/carers about plans for ending the service
• Involve parents/carers in all planning meetings and reviews

Contact West Lothian Council Sure Start Unit G Kirkton Business Centre Kirk Lane Livingston Village EH54 7AY Tel 01506 775836 email surestart@westlothian.gov.uk website (new window)