Sure Start making good progress
Summary
The Sure Start programme was launched in 1998 to help give every child the best start in life - particularly those from disadvantaged backgrounds - by bringing together early education, childcare, health and family support services.
While the first 800 centres were located in the most deprived areas, the Government has since pledged to create a children's centre for every community by 2010, committing £3.2bn until 2008.
From April 2006, local authorities have been responsible for managing the programme either directly or by contracting it out to a private or voluntary provider. Children's centres also have income from various other sources such as grants and childcare fees paid by parents.
This Report examines the performance of responsible local authorities in delivering value for money through sound financial management, in reaching the most disadvantaged families, and in monitoring their performance effectively.
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How does it affect me?
If you work for Sure Start or in the wider childcare and community service sectors, or are a current or future customer of Sure Start, this affects you.
The NAO reports that good progress is being made, although it is too early to measure the full effectiveness of the centres.
The Report finds the centres are valued by most of the families who use them, although more needs to be done to reach and support the most excluded groups.
Find out more about Sure Start.
See more Department for Education and Skills (DfES) consultations or register for DfES email updates when new consultations publish.
