About SureStart Ards

Surestart is a government programme which aims to give children the best possible start in life so that they flourish and are able to reach their full potential when they begin school.  We provide a range of services to expectant parents and those with children aged 0-3 years.

Surestart Ards covers the Ards Peninsula area and the Scrabo & Central Wards in Newtownards.  You can check whether you live within the Surestart area, by typing your postcode into the box on the Home page.

All Surestart services are free of charge and we offer a free creche alongside most of our services also.

Surestart Ards offers:

• Drop in services that you and your child can attend together – booking is not required, just come along! All services on the calendar marked with (DI) operate on a ‘drop in’ basis.
• Course and Programmes – we operate a waiting list system for most of our courses so you will need to register your interest and we will contact you when it is your turn to attend. A free onsite creche is provided for children aged 0-3.
• Specialist support – we can provide support within the home for any family needing this, for example  Speech & Language, Behaviour Support, Breastfeeding or just supporting a family through a difficult period. For further information please see the relevant section.
• Breastfeeding Equipment Loan Scheme.