Cameron backs Early Intervention Foundation

The idea of a foundation was first mooted in January by Labour MP Graham Allen, who carried out a government review of early intervention.

Allen sees it as essential in spearheading the development of the most effective early intervention practices and wants it to support 15 "local early intervention places".

In a letter to Allen, made public today, Cameron said he is "supportive of the idea of setting up an independent foundation".

He said this could "guide the development of the early intervention market" and "help us transform the debate about child poverty".

"I will indeed speak to the Chancellor about what role government funding could play in the creation of this new foundation, and I have asked my ministers and officials to work with you constructively to explore the options available," he said.

Allen said that since his two reports on early intervention were published earlier this year, a powerful coalition of national and local organisations  has been established in the form of an Early Intervention Foundation Consortium.

"[There is] a real thirst to get on with this, and this strong public backing from the PM and ministers maintains the momentum," he said. "We are now ready to take the next step and create the EIF."

"The role of the foundation will include speaking up for and promoting early intervention, and spreading best practice and evidenced-based programmes," he said.

"Every baby, child and young person needs the basic social and emotional bedrock to make the best of themselves and having this national motivator up and running to work with the brilliant talent in the field and to advise councils and the third sector brings that ambition closer."