A new scheme to help improve the health and education of children from disadvantaged families in south Abingdon and Sutton Courtenay is to receive nearly £500,000 in Government aid.

The Department for Education and Skills has approved funding for a Sure Start scheme, regarded as a key tool in the Government's drive to reduce crime and violence among disaffected families.

The scheme is designed to support children up to the age of four in the Caldecott district of south Abingdon, and in the Bradstocks Way area of Sutton Courtenay.

The funding will pay for a full-time manager and two part-time health staff to serve up to 170 children. It will also fund the refurbishment of the family centre at Caldecott Primary School, Abingdon, and the refurbishment of family and community rooms in Sutton Courtenay CofE Primary School. Families will benefit from more home visits by health workers, play sessions and early education schemes. All schemes will emphasise parent participation.

The bid for Government aid came from a steering group which includes representatives from social services, health, education, the child care development team, Pre-school Learning Alliance and Home Start -- a voluntary organisation that supports parents with young children.

The children's charity NCH, which helps run the family centre, and the Vale of White Horse District Council are also involved.

The funding will include £250,000 to cover modifications to buildings, new equipment and facilities, staff and hire charges. A further £222,000 is for running costs for the two-year period of the scheme.

There are similar schemes operating in many parts of the country, including a £1m Government-funded project in the Rose Hill and Littlemore districts of Oxford. It has been running for nearly two years and serves up to 450 children under four.

County councillor for the Drayton ward Margaret MacKenzie said: "I have been working for years so that the needs of disadvantaged people in rural areas can be recognised. Perseverance prevails and I am delighted that this funding will help address the needs of children and young families."

County councillor for south Abingdon and chairman of the south Abingdon early years committee, Neil Fawcett, said: "This successful bid should help secure a permanent, purpose-built, family centre for south Abingdon." Clare Abolins, unit manager for the social services child care development team at Abingdon, said: "Sure Start schemes have proved successful in helping young children and families from disadvantaged backgrounds. We are sure it will be a big help to young parents in south Abingdon and Sutton Courtenay."

The next step will be to involve parents. Open meetings are planned on Wednesday, June 12, at the Abingdon Family Centre and on Tuesday, June 18, at Sutton Courtenay CofE Primary School.