Written question asked by David Laws (Liberal Democrat) on Tuesday, 25 February 2003, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 10 March 2003. It was answered by Maria Eagle (Labour) on Monday, 10 March 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 effectiveness of Sure Start schemes; if he will list by Education Authority those approved to date; and if he will make a statement. (Info in Library Dep 03/876).

Answer: Mr. Laws: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what assessment he has made of the effectiveness of Sure Start schemes; if he will list by education authority those approved to date; and if he will make a statement. [99814] 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. Information on impact and effectiveness will become available over the next 12-18 months. 427 of the 524 planned Sure Start local programmes have been approved to date. In addition we are funding 50 Mini Sure Start local programmes in rural areas and areas with pockets of deprivation. Of these, 49 have been approved to date. A list of the programs has been placed in the Library.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 99814; 401 c81-2W
Session: 2002-03
Subjects: Pre-school education Local education authorities Sure Start programme
Contains statistics: Yes
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk