Sure Start evaulation positive about impact

In the past the National Evaluation of Sure Start has cast doubt on the effectiveness of the scheme.

But findings published today by the Department for Children, Schools and Families have painted a positive picture of the work.

Speaking at the first national conference for children's centre leaders, children's minister Beverley Hughes said: "Sure Start is beginning to have real and demonstrable benefits for children and families.

"Sure Start was never an event, it is a journey. These results are testimony to the commitment of all those working to bring alive the Sure Start vision and give us cause to be cautiously optimistic that Sure Start can make a real difference."

At the conference Hughes and Children's Secretary Ed Balls also announced new guidance to help centres work with ethnic minority families, a review of outreach work, and a new national network for children's centre leaders.