Care Sector Guide

Sure Start is one of the most strategic and most generously funded of the new agencies; the research evaluation budget alone is worth several millions of pounds. It is regarded as the cornerstone of the government’s drive against child poverty and social exclusion. While it retains a national presence its work is being absorbed into local authorities.

Its aim is to work with parents and parents-to-be to improve the physical, social and intellectual development of children before and from birth in the years running up to school. It does this by setting up (in partnership with statutory and voluntary agencies) local Sure Start programmes.

The organisation also aims to spread good practice learned from those programmes to everyone involved in providing services for young children. The programmes are concerned to improve family support, advice on nurturing, health services and early learning.

Director of Sure Start, Extended Schools and Families Group: Sheila Scales

Address: Level 2, Caxton House, Tothill Street, London SW1 9NA

Telephone: 0870 000 2288

Other UK equivalents: Sure Start is a UK-wide body