AQW 16789/17-22

Ms Claire Sugden
Independent
East Londonderry

Tabled Date: 24/03/2021
Answered On Date: 02/04/2021
Priority Written: No

Question:
To ask the Minister of Health (i) to detail the reasons for the continued closure of SureStart; (ii) the estimated timeframe for the re-opening of services; and (iii) to detail the conversations he has had with other Executive Ministers regarding this issue.

Answer:

All SureStart projects have continued to provide a level of support to parents and children throughout the pandemic. When they were required to stop providing group support on-site at certain points they continued to provide many activities online, including: breast feeding support groups; parents and toddlers sessions; sensory play; story and rhyme; tiny talkers; incredible babies; baby massage and healthy cooking. SureStart staff also carried out garden gate visits, provided one to one support in centre or by phone for vulnerable children and families, and supported families to access resources where appropriate. On 25 March 2021, it was announced that all SureStart services for children aged 0-4 could recommence with immediate effect.