Shadow education secretary Angela Rayner told delegates yesterday that investment in a new "Sure Start Plus" scheme would form part of Labour's early years policy, which includes free nursery education for all two- to four-year-olds.
The pledge follows research that austerity cuts have led to a significant drop in the number of children using Sure Start children's centres in the most deprived areas of England.
Rayner said: "Conference, Sure Start changed my life when my own son was born.
"I joined a parenting class. No-one was more efficient than me at changing nappies, and having a proper bedtime. But no-one mentioned love.
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