Lib Dems offer best deal for families in Brent

2.03.56pm UTC (GMT +0000) Tue 12th Apr 2005

Local Liberal Democrat Sarah Teather today visited an under 5's activity group at Willesden Green Library, Willesden Green. Sarah Teather met with parents and children at the Library centre to take part in a range of activities including singing, story-telling and painting.

-Under Liberal Democrat plans for families in Brent include:

-New mothers would receive a Maternity Income Guarantee of £170 for the first six months after the birth of their first child.

-We would reduce class sizes for 5-7 year olds, create 3,500 Children's Centres and after school care to all schools and increase nursery care for 3-4 years.

-We would introduce a Children's Commissioner to safeguard Children's rights

Commenting on the activity group, Local Liberal Democrat Sarah Teather said:

"The staff at the centre do a tremendous job all the children and parents have a great time with the activities that they put on."

Commenting on the Liberal Democrat plans for families, Sarah Teather said:

"In the 21st Century, the modern British family comes in many different shapes and sizes, no more so than in Brent. The Liberal Democrats are determined to give all families the best start in life.

"Every parent wants the best for the child, expert opinion and common sense agree that children well taught and well cared-for in their early years have a better chance of living fulfilled and rewarding lives. The Liberal Democrats Maternity Income Guarantee would make sure that families on low incomes would also have the option of staying at home to look after a new baby.

"Children growing up in a supportive environment are more likely to be confident and successful when they start school. That is why the Liberal Democrats would roll out more Children's Centres and invest more money in the crucial first years of formal education."