Research boost for Sure Start schemes

Sure Start is improving parents’ relationships with their children,
according to findings from a study commissioned by the government
of its flagship social inclusion project.

But there is also evidence that local programmes are struggling to
engage with all families in their target area although they remain
optimistic about doing so.

The report summarises strands of research from the National
Evaluation of Sure Start local programmes, which began in
2001.

Other problems included the fact that most programmes were seen as
being for non-employed mothers and parents, a perception reinforced
by the “office hours” during which services were available.

It also took longer than expected for Sure Start programmes to
become established, taking between 24 and 36 months on average to
offer their full range of services. 

– Early findings from
www.surestart.gov.uk/ensuringquality/research/localprogrammeevaluation/nationalevaluation