Several studies have cast doubt on the programme's ability to improve childrens' cognitive abilities and to narrow the gap between deprived children and the rest. The huge sums thus far committed to Sure Start - including a £3bn tranche from 2008-11 to bring the network up to the government's target of 3,500 centres, have prompted some commentators (mainly in the media) to question the programme's very right to exist. That reaction is alarmist and misguided. But concern that Sure Start is...