(1 day, 19 hours ago)
Commons ChamberAs someone who felt the benefits of being born and growing up under the last Labour Government, I welcome this Labour Government’s decisions to give children the best start in life. Local charity Home-Start Kettering does phenomenal work, but over recent years it has seen an increase in demand for its services. Will the Secretary of State confirm how the “best start in life” strategy will work with local charities to help achieve the Government’s objective of getting more children school ready?
My hon. Friend is right to draw attention to the important work of voluntary and community groups, which will have a central role to play, not least because they are often better able to access and support families who might otherwise find it difficult to go through the doors of a centre, and who might feel a certain kind of reluctance about statutory services. Their role and work is critical to what we will take forward. My hon. Friend is right that the last Labour Government did amazing things, and today’s announcement builds on the proud record of Sure Start.