MERSEY councils are leading the country in a flagship project praised for its efforts to give every child the best start in life, new figures show.

Four local authorities are among just 18 in England that have hit their targets for providing “Sure Start” centres one year early, winning plaudits from ministers.

The centres – which offer parenting classes, health advice for small children, badly-needed support for struggling mothers and high-quality childcare – are Labour’s big idea for improving life chances.

Across England, there are still 600 to be opened if the Government is to reach its ambitious 10-year benchmark of setting up 3,500 by March 2010.

But, in Merseyside, Wirral (19 centres), Knowsley (16), St Helens (12) and Halton (12) have all hit their targets – based on the number of under-fives in their boroughs – one year early.

Furthermore, Liverpool (24 out of 26) and Sefton (16 out of 19) are not far behind, according to statistics from the Department for Children, Schools and Families (DCSF).

The department also released research suggesting the Sure Start centres are very popular, with 92% of parents describing themselves as satisfied, and 68% very satisfied.

Cllr Graham Wright, Knowsley’s cabinet member for children, said: “Strong leadership, together with experienced, well qualified staff who have a wide range of skills, have helped us get up and running straight away.

“We work closely with families to make sure their needs shape the services and support available in our Sure Start centres, which are located right at the heart of the community they serve.”

Ministers want Sure Start to be so much part of parents’ lives that they refer to “my children’s centre” in the same way that they talk about “my teacher”, or “my family doctor”.

A study, published in the Lancet medical journal last year, found parents who used Sure Start were more likely to read to their children and encourage learning, while the youngsters behaved better and had greater independence.

Ed Balls, the Children’s Secretary, said: “I am delighted that we can see the real impact this radical reform is having on children and families.”

The minister has announced plans to expand Sure Start services, for example, by putting in tax credit advisers to ensure parents receive the wage top-up and support towards childcare costs.

The centres are also recruiting outreach workers to go into children's homes and out into the community to ensure the neediest families are reached.