Speaking at a Conservative party conference fringe event, Martin Narey said more should be done to make sure that the hardest to reach families can access services.
He warned that in some areas, such as Bristol and London, large numbers of middle class parents are using Sure Start, while more vulnerable families miss out.
"Sure Start is outstanding, but I frequently worry about the extent to which the hardest-to-reach are elbowed out the way," he explained. "Is there a case for conditionality? Maybe requiring the hardest to reach to attend?".
But Alison Garnham, joint chief executive of the Daycare Trust, said forcing families to attend is not the answer.
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