Nine areas are to trial payment-by-result schemes under the government's "foundation years" strategy. The measurements by which centres will be judged include: early years foundation stage (EYFS) profile assessments, breastfeeding prevalence, completion of evidence-based parenting programmes, and sustained contact with families in greatest need.
But the Social Market Foundation has warned that these measures could distort the achievements of children's centres by failing to take into account the role other agencies have played, such as schools and health visitors.
"While we advocate payment-by-results, there are problems," said Ryan Shorthouse, researcher at the foundation. "It is not right to withdraw or increase funding to Sure Start centres when it is not just them that have contributed to the results."
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