OFFICIAL OPENING FOR SURE START FACILITY IN EGERTON PARK

The facility was built after a consultation in 2002 identified that additional childcare provision was needed in the town, along with greater access to services.

The centre now houses a 30 place OFSTED registered childcare centre for 0 '“ 5 year olds open five days a week for fifty weeks of the year, and facilities for a range of courses, training opportunities and groups.

Funding for the project, totalling 1,101,082 was provided by Sure Start, Seaspace (Hastings & Bexhill Renaissance) and the Big Lottery Fund. Rother District Council identified and provided the lease of the land and East Sussex County Council commissioned the development of the building. The building was designed by Faulkner Associates and project managed by Capitec.

On the opening, Anne Belcher said: "Over the past 3 years, Sure Start has made a vast difference to the families of Bexhill and Sidley, putting in services that previously didn't exist.

"A big thank you to all those who have made this possible, and I know that many families, like my own, will continue to benefit from the Sure Start programme and use this great new centre for many years to come."

Andy Crosby, Programme Manager for Sure Start Bexhill and Sidley, added: "All the parents, staff and organisations involved in Sure Start have played a part in getting the centre built and it shows what can be achieved when everyone is working towards a shared aim.

"We hope that the centre will provide many opportunities for organisations to continue to work together for the benefit of local families."

The Childcare Centre opened in March 2005 and has been well used by local families with approximately 70 children currently registered there. There are still afternoon sessions for 3 year olds available, contact Jo Goldfinch on 01424 211117 for further details.

Among the groups run through the Family Learning Centre are Parent Get Togethers, Health Visitor drop-in sessions, Breastfeeding peer support and Ante natal groups. Future planned courses include CV training, Managing stress through relaxation and Infant massage. Please contact Pat Hide on 01424 210550 for further details.