Sure Start - let the shouting commence

I went to the launch of the 'Shout Out for a Sure Start" campaign this morning, which we're supporting. The campaign's being launched by 4Children. Fronting the launch event at the Abbey Community Centre in London were a great big hefty Peppa Pig and a dinky little Melinda Messenger, who is now a mum.

And then we heard the politicians pledge their supoprt for the campaign, fighting to be heard above the din of the screaming kids in the background - Ed Balls, Maria Miller for the Tories and Annette Brooke for the Lib Dems. It's great the campaign has cross--party support. Then again, Sure Start, in case you haven't noticed, has already become a political football.

The politicians were polite about each other in public but beneath the veneer there's a big battle about to be slugged out over who's going to do the best for Sure Start.  Labour set it up but the Tories claim they could run it more effectively. Labour accuse the Tories of making cuts. Sounds familar doesn't it? "Who will save Sure Start" is 2010's version of the "Who will save the NHS" battles of old.

One issue that won't go away is the pay and conditions of people in early years. Unison general secretary Dave Prentis said at the launch it was "an indictment on our society that the cleaner in your homes will be paid more than your Sure Start worker". I don't have a cleaner, Dave, but I'll take your word for it.

The campaign is trying to demonstate the support there is among parents, grandparents and charities that exists for children's centres and to bolster their awareness among familines not using them. We'll continue to champion the campaign in all our coverage of Sure Start children's centres. And you can sign a pledge and find out more at www.shoutoutforasurestart.org.uk