£2.5 million for children's services

The funding was agreed by East Sussex County Council and will see the creation of at least seven new Children's Centres and improvements to several existing facilities.

The investment, approved by the council's Lead Member for Learning and School Effectiveness, Cllr David Elkin, means the start of the final stage of the council's Children's Centre programme which has already seen the creation of 28 such centres.

In this final phase new centres will be created in Ticehurst, Crowborough, Ringmer, Heathfield, Seaford, Chailey, and Uckfield. Opportunities are also being investigated for an extra centre in Eastbourne.

They will add to the centres already delivered in Eastbourne, Hastings and St Leonards, Lewes, Newhaven, Peacehaven, Battle, Bexhill, Peasmarsh, Pebsham, Robertsbridge, Rye, Sidley, Hailsham and Polegate.

Children's Centres provide a range of support services for young families with children aged 0-5. These include childcare, health services, family support, and employment advice. They also provide a wide range of other activities.

The funding agreed today, from the Government's Sure Start, Early Years and Childcare grant for East Sussex, also includes money for improvements and extensions to some of the centres in Eastbourne.

Cllr Elkin said: "The development of Children's Centres is a key priority for the Council. We are committed to supporting young families and to providing services which give local children the best possible start in life.

"This funding will mean the start of the final stage of our Children's Centre programme. We have already delivered 28 centres, now these plans will mean that every community will have access to Children's Centre services."

More information about existing Children's Centres is available on the East Sussex County Council website at: www.eastsussex.gov.uk/childrenscentres.