The National Evaluation of Sure Start Research Team Effects of Sure Start local programmes on children and families: early findings from a quasi‐experimental, cross sectional study

. Belsky J. , Melhuish E. , Barnes J. , Leyland A.H. mothers of 1509 children aged 9 months and 1101 children aged 36 months in comparison communities. Outcome measures Mothers’ reports of community services and local area, family functioning and parenting skills, child health and development, and verbal ability at 36 months. Results Differences between SSLP areas and comparison areas were limited, small and varied by degree of social deprivation. SSLPs had beneficial effects on non‐teenage mothers (better parenting, better social functioning in children) and adverse effects on children of teenage mothers (poorer social functioning) and children of single parents or parents who did not work (lower verbal ability). SSLPs led by health services were slightly more effective than other SSLPs. Conclusion Sure Start local programmes seem to benefit relatively less socially deprived parents (who have greater personal resources) and their children but seem to have an adverse effect on the most disadvantaged children. Programmes led by health services seem to be more effective than programmes led by other agencies.