Clogher Valley Sure Start

Clogher Valley Sure Start works with parents and parents-to-be to promote the physical, intellectual and social development of babies and young children. 

The project is funded through the Department of Education, works in partnership with statutory, voluntary and community agencies and offers a range of services for ante-natal mothers, children (aged from birth to 4) and their families.

The project covers the electoral wards of Augher, Clogher, Fivemiletown, Ballygawley and Aughnacloy.

Location of your Sure Start Project:

Clogher Valley Sure Start is based at 74 Main Street Augher, Co Tyrone and runs 'Two's Company', a group based programme for children in their pre-preschool year focusing on working in partnership with parents, from premises at Main Street Clogher.

What services are on offer?

Clogher Valley SureStart provides the following services to Sure Start families (from pregnancy until your youngest child goes to school):

• Antenatal classes, support and advice / home visits.
• Antenatal Pilates
• Services to support and inform parents in promoting child development in the crucial first years – including Breast-feeding support, Baby Yoga, Drop in Clinics at the local parent and toddler groups, Baby Massage and Baby Start – a weekly group.
• Fun learning opportunities through play, including weekly storytelling sessions, regular play activities held in local parent and toddler groups, Movers and Shakers and Top Tots
• Mobile toy library, which includes books, puzzles, activity boxes (available to loan) and information on play.
• Home safety advice and information·  
• Two's company –.  Two's Company provides a planned programme of constructive play opportunities.
• Parenting programmes, covering topics such as healthy lifestyles, sharing books, weaning, play and information on starting school / playgroup / nursery.
• Advice and practical support on health related matters e.g. potty training, encouraging positive behaviour, sleep routines.
• Cook-It Programmes
• Respite childminding for parents (criteria applies) and support to registered childminders.
• Support and advice to those wanting to become a registered childminder.
• Advice on developing your child's language and communication skills through play, music rhyme sessions and 1-1 support. This includes Snappy Sounds sessions and Play Talk Bag programmes.   
• Family support via Home Start trained volunteers offering friendship and practical help in the home.
• Parent Toddler/Childminders/Playgroup Sector Support
• Regular family events including an annual 'Fun day' and family evening.
• Parents Group

Who is responsible for Sure Start?

(Board of management membership)

• Early Years - the organisation for young children  - Lead Body & Accountable body
• Home-Start
• NICMA, Northern Ireland Childminding Association
• Parent Representatives
• Parenting Partnership/DELTA
• Aughnacloy Development Association
• Aughnacloy Primary School
• Fivemiletown Nursery

How to contact us.

Clogher Valley Sure Start
74 Main Street
Augher
Co Tyrone BT77 0BG
Tel: 85549898 Fax: 028 85549930
Email: c.surestart@btopenworld.com

What happens once I register with Sure Start?

Our Health Visitor / Family Participation Worker will arrange a suitable time to visit to introduce the services and explain what SureStart is about.  Your name will go on our mailing list and you will be kept up-to-date with events and developments via our regular newsletter.

If you are new to the area and would like to register with SureStart please contact us and we will arrange for someone to call with you.

Clogher Valley Sure Start provides advice and information on a variety of parenting issues/concerns. Dedicated support is available on an individual basis through the home visiting services.  The project promotes the physical, intellectual, social and emotional development of babies & young children emphasising the importance of parents & staff working in partnership to achieve the best outcomes for children.

 Parents' comments

 'I recommend Sure Start services to other parents in my area.  I think if all the parents out there realised how beneficial the services are, they would not hesitate to participate.'

'There are such a wide variety of services with excellent developmental programmes there is no excuse for not getting involved. I can do activities with my kids that I probably would not get to do only for Sure Start.' 

Updated June 2009

• Clogher Valley Newsletters