A TOP level delegation of child development experts from China visited Bolton yesterday to learn about the council's Sure Start programme.
The group of eight are on a UNICEF-sponsored trip to Britain and visited the Sure Start centre in Shepherd Cross Street, Halliwell, to see how the pioneering scheme is helping young children and their families.
Sure Start is a national initiative aimed at improving the well-being and opportunities of children aged under four through better health, child care and educational opportunities.
It was launched in Bolton two years ago and in addition to the Halliwell scheme, which was the first in Bolton, a further three projects in Great Lever, Greater Farnworth and Rumworth are now operating.
The Chinese visitors were particularly keen to learn how Sure Start is integrating services for young children and targeting hard-to-reach and disadvantaged sections of the population.
During their visit, they talked to project workers, staff and parents and looked in on a speech therapy workshop, an oral health drop-in session and a child development class.
They were also shown arts and crafts and activities used in play sessions.
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