Sure Start Millmead in Kent commissioned the study to evaluate itsprogress in helping parents. The researchers spent six years carryingout detailed interviews with 100 families, children and staff.
Linden West, reader in education at Canterbury Christ Church University'said the approach of many evaluations, including the national evaluationof Sure Start, was to "tick boxes" against expected outcomes. Insteadthe researchers and Millmead wanted to get an idea of progressreflecting the subtleties of parents' and staff experiences.
A number of parents said the centre provided a "lifeline" through homevisits, access to other mothers and quicker access to specialistservices. They told researchers it meant they "kept going" rather thancollapsing into depression. Parents felt they had more time with SureStart staff than other professionals, such as GPs and nursepractitioners, and felt valued rather than judged.
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