Engaging parents and carers with Sure Start New Steps

Abstract

Sure Start New Steps is one of five local programmes in Halton. It is a fifth round programme, established in 2002, and is based at Kingsway Learning Centre, Widnes. The staff at Sure Start New Steps have had some concerns about the number of families they are reaching. A recent parent satisfaction survey indicated that although general awareness of Sure Start New Steps was high, 18 respondents (12% of those taking part in the survey) were unaware of the Sure Start programme in their area, although 14 of this group had actually used Sure Start New Steps services. Anecdotal information reported by staff at Sure Start New Steps also suggests that a number of eligible families are not registered with the programme and are unaware of its existence. Concerns have therefore been raised about the strategies used to inform parents and carers about Sure Start New Steps and how systematically and effectively its activities are introduced and promoted by health professionals and others working with the eligible population. The aim of this study was therefore to explore how Sure Start New Steps is promoted and publicised to parents and carers, in order to inform future marketing strategies.