Written question asked by Lady Hermon (Ulster Unionist Party) on Thursday, 11 November 2004, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 16 November 2004. It was answered by Baroness Smith of Basildon (Labour) on Tuesday, 16 November 2004 on behalf of the Northern Ireland Office.

Northern Ireland Office

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, if he will ensure that a multi-agency approach in service delivery is central to the proposed new Sure Start model.

Answer: Lady Hermon: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will ensure that a multi-agency approach in service delivery is central to the proposed new Sure Start model. [198288] Angela Smith: Sure Start promotes and adopts a partnership approach to providing co-ordinated services for families with young children. The programme is both designed and delivered at a local level through a network of local statutory agencies and community-based voluntary organisations working in the fields of health, early education and family/ parenting support. Thus, in each local area, different programmes are set up according to the range of existing services and the particular needs of the community.

Secondary information