Written question asked by Helen Jones (Labour) on Thursday, 5 April 2001, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 26 April 2001. It was answered by Yvette Cooper (Labour) on Thursday, 26 April 2001 on behalf of the Department of Health.

Dept of Health

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment, What assessment he has made of the impact of the Sure Start programme; and if he will make a statement. (Failed OPQ)

Answer: Helen Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what assessment he has made of the impact of the Sure Start programme; and if he will make a statement. [157928] Yvette Cooper: I have been asked to reply. Although initial feedback is very positive, the Sure Start programme is still very new and it is too early to make a thorough assessment of its impact. A major evaluation of Sure Start began in January 2001. It will examine the impact of Sure Start on children, families and communities, both in the short, medium and long term by tracking a sample of 8,000 children and their families over time.

Secondary information