FAMILIES with young children in Rendlesham are getting a £450,000 boost thanks to a grant from the government Sure Start programme.The Suffolk Early Years Development and Childcare Partnership has been awarded a grant of £900,000 to help improve the health and well-being of families with young children in Rendlesham and Reydon.

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FAMILIES with young children in Rendlesham are getting a £450,000 boost thanks to a grant from the government Sure Start programme.

The Suffolk Early Years Development and Childcare Partnership has been awarded a grant of £900,000 to help improve the health and well-being of families with young children in Rendlesham and Reydon.

The project will run for two years and aims to provide childcare and health-related services in and around the two villages.

Good quality childcare and early education facilities will be developed within existing village halls and community centres and more registered childminders will also be established.

Parents in Sure Start postcode areas training or returning to work will also have access to subsidised childcare places for their children.

Young children will also have access to a new playbus, books and toys and a full time Family Support Worker and an additional part time Health Visitor will be employed in each area.

Councillor Sue Thomas, Chair of the Suffolk Early Years Development and Childcare Partnership, said: "We are delighted to have been awarded this grant and will be working closely with people in the community to ensure that these Sure Start programmes meet local needs and expectations. There will be a period of local consultation once a Project Co-ordinator has been appointed."

To find out if you live in the Sure Start postcode area or for more information contact the Suffolk Childcare Information Service 01473 581493.