Policy Hub
On 30 November 2005, Department for Education and Skills (DfES) published five early reports from the National Evaluation of Sure Start (NESS) which show that Sure Start is succeeding in making a difference to a large number of parents and children, and is doing particularly well in affecting parenting practices.
However the NESS findings raise two important issues: the programme is not reaching some of the most disadvantaged families; and the work in some local programmes (SSLPs) is not working as well as it should.
Early impacts of SSLPs on children and families [Sure Start website] - looks at how SSLPS are affecting children and families on a range of different indicators at an early stage in the programme's life.
Variation in SSLP effectiveness: early preliminary findings [Sure Start website] - investigates the characteristics of effective programmes.
Maternity Services in SSLPs [Sure Start website] - investigates the extent and ways in which SSLPs have reshaped and improved services for pregnant women and families with a new baby, and describes examples of good practice.
Implementing SSLPs: an integrated overview of the first four years [Sure Start website] - information regarding the design, delivery and management of a Sure Start local programme, covering issues such as reach, access, staffing and management.
The Quality of Early Learning, Play and Childcare services in SSLPs [Sure Start website] - investigates the extent and ways in which SSLPs have reshaped and improved play, early learning and childcare services in Sure Start local programmes. It provides examples of good practice and a checklist of good quality services.