---

Sure Start Programme

Answer

We welcome the recent report by the Institute for Fiscal Studies on the health effects of Sure Start. Across the key health outcomes for children and young people, children living in households in the lowest socio-economic groups have worse outcomes than other children. There are clear benefits to early investment and support through pregnancy and the early years. Children’s centres can play an important role in supporting families, but it is right local councils decide how to organise and provide services for families in their areas to meet local needs – whether this is through children’s centre buildings or delivering services in different ways.

Local authorities have a duty under the Childcare Act (2006) to ensure sufficient children’s centres to meet the needs of local families. Funding for children’s services (including children’s centres) is made available through the local government finance settlement. In addition, other government funding, including that for public health, adult skills training and troubled families may also be used locally to support services delivered wholly, or in part, through children’s centres. Children services funding for 2020-2021 and beyond will be determined in the Spending Review.

Secondary information

Type

Written question

Reference

260548

Session

2017-19

Related items

Children's Centres
Wednesday, 3 July 2019
Written questions
House of Commons

Grouped for answer

Yes

Transferred

Yes

Subjects

Health Young people Sure Start programme

Link

View this Written question on www.parliament.uk