35 Children's Centres are now open in Suffolk - up from just 6 two years ago.

Chris Mole, MP for Ipswich, welcomed the news and said that 26,619 children under five and their families now have access to the range of services Sure Start offers.

Sure Start Children's Centres are a one-stop-shop for families and children under five. They offer easy access to a range of services including early years learning, childcare, family health services, and advice and support for parents. A recent independent evaluation report found that Sure Start was having a positive impact on the lives of children and families.

The Government this week announced that its target to have 2,500 Children's Centres open across the country by the start of this month has been beaten - with 2,906 Children's Centres open in England by 31st March 2008. By 2010 there will be 3,500 Children's Centres, one for every community.

Chris said:

"While ten years ago there were no Children's Centres, today there are 35 in Suffolk offering services to some 26,619 families and children. I know from visiting Children's Centres in my constituency - such as the Tree House Children's Centre on Clapgate Lane - the big difference it has made to many families in our area and how much parents rely on the services Sure Start provides.

"As every parent knows, the earliest years of a child's life are critical to their future development. It's also a time when parents need advice and support. That's why this Labour Government has made investing in Sure Start, high quality childcare and nursery education a big priority. We've introduced an entitlement to a free nursery place for every three and four year old - and 15,035 children in Suffolk are today benefiting.

"But while Labour will continue investing in Sure Start, the Tories will cut its funding by £200 million each year. Under Labour, Sure Start will soon be a permanent and universal service for all families and children under five in every community in England, but that will be put at risk if the Tories get their way."

Children's Secretary Ed Balls added:

"Congratulations to everybody who has helped get Children's Centres in Suffolk off the ground, including Sure Start staff and all the volunteers who help out. While the Tories want to cut £200 million per year from Sure Start, Labour will continue to invest in Sure Start in Suffolk and across the country. The range of services offered by Sure Start are being expanded and there will soon be a Children's Centre in every community."

(* Chris outside Clapgate Lane's Sure Start Centre during its construction - it has since been opened and is thriving)