Written question asked by Patsy Calton (Liberal Democrat) on Thursday, 3 April 2003, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 28 April 2003. It was answered by Maria Eagle (Labour) on Monday, 28 April 2003 on behalf of the Department for Work and Pensions.

Dept for Work and Pensions

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills, what assessment he has made of the benefits of Surestart programmes; what reviews of outcomes have taken place; and if he will make a statement.

Answer: Mrs. Calton: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what assessment he has made of the benefits of Sure Start programmes; what reviews of outcomes have taken place; and if he will make a statement. [107818] Maria Eagle: 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. The first information on impact and effectiveness will become available over the next 12 to 18 months.

Secondary information