The policy that changed childhood in the UK

Today, we’re looking back at one of the most ambitious policies ever introduced for young children in England – Sure Start. 

Launched by the Labour government in 1999, Sure Start aimed to give every child the best start in life by bringing together early education, childcare, health services, and parental support under one roof. At its peak, more than 3,000 centres were operating across the country. But since 2010, the programme has been scaled back, with funding cut by around two-thirds. 

So, what difference did Sure Start really make? How was it implemented? And why does it still shape today’s debates around early years services? 

Paul Johnson is joined by IFS Associate Director Christine Farquharson and former Education Secretary Ed Balls to explore the legacy and lessons of Sure Start.

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