Thurrock’s success in creating new children’s centres across the borough was recognised this month.
Laura Burroughs, the council’s Children Centres Strategy Manager, was invited to 10 Downing Street to meet the Prime Minister, Gordon Brown, on Wednesday 13 May.
She was among dozens of delegates from across the country at the event celebrating the official designation of 3,000 Sure Start Children’s Centres nationally.
Mr Brown congratulated everyone for their hard work and commitment to the programme and said: “It is not governments that have done it, it is not an investment that has done it on its own – although investment is important – it is what you have done, and what you have achieved, and we are so grateful for everything you’ve done. Thank you all very much.”
Cllr Sue MacPherson, Thurrock’s Cabinet member for Children’s Services said: “Here we have Thurrock leading the way again.
“Congratulations and thanks to everyone who has been involved in this brilliant work here, especially the people who work in the centres and bring smiles to parents and their children.
“Our 12 centres provide a wide range of services for children, from birth to five years, and their families including everything from childminder support and family support to child and family health services; employment support, and integrated education and childcare.”
Laura was nominated on behalf of Thurrock by the Regional Support Team – Together for Children, the agency overseeing the national implementation of the SureStart centres.
Ed Balls, Secretary of State for Children, Schools and Families and Beverley Hughes, Minister of State for Children, Young People and Families were also at the event and spent a lot of time engaging with individuals – including Laura.
