Parents in Banbury and North Oxfordshire look back with fondness, and often a sense of gratitude, for the support Sure Start services provided in those crucial early years of their children’s lives.
Hearing their stories, and the difficulties of local families with young children growing up today, made it clear that provision needed to be brought back.
Because in 2010, when the Conservatives came to power, they took a scythe to those services. The consequences were stark.
When they left government, one in four families with children under five couldn’t access local children’s centres or Family Hubs, rising to one in three lower income families.
Thousands of parents cut off from vital community support networks and specialist services – left to navigate the challenges of parenthood alone.
A devastating impact on children’s life chances, with early development, wellbeing and future attainment all in jeopardy.
Nowhere is that clearer than here in Oxfordshire, a desert for family and community services.
Speaking to and hearing from local families at surgeries, drop-ins, on the doorstep and on social media, I hear time and again that they need more support around SEND, nutrition, youth services, early development and plenty more.
That’s why I was so pleased to learn this week that there will be results for families in Banbury and North Oxfordshire, with Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson investing £245,236 into Oxfordshire, with the explicit instruction to create a physical Best Start Family Hub by April.
Best Start Family Hubs will build on the proud legacy of Sure Start, becoming Oxfordshire’s one stop shop for parents seeking convenient, accessible support.
And they’ll also build on the cost saving measures Labour has already put in place to support families.
30 hours of government-funded childcare, saving working parents £7,500 per child, per year.
New Best Start school-based nurseries, like the one in Chipping Norton, creating the places to make childcare accessible and affordable.
Best Start free breakfast clubs, putting £450 back in parents’ pockets with the national rollout beginning early next year.
Best Start HAF clubs, their future secure for years to come so they can support families over the holidays.
Cheaper school uniform costs with a cap on branded items.
This week’s announcement shows what we can do when we work together. An MP for Banbury, genuinely listening to local families, acting on your feedback.
And a government, determined to deliver for children where the Tories failed, rebuilding public services and renewing our country.