What's happened
Recent reports highlight the positive effects of Sure Start early years centres on children's outcomes in the UK. The Institute for Fiscal Studies found that children near these centres are less likely to face custodial sentences and spend less time in care, emphasizing the importance of early intervention in social policy.
Why it matters
What the papers say
According to The Guardian, the Institute for Fiscal Studies (IFS) report emphasizes that Sure Start has led to significant improvements in children's lives, stating, "children from low-income backgrounds who grew up near a Sure Start centre saw an average improvement of three GCSE grades." The Mirror echoes this sentiment, noting that Sure Start reduced serious criminal convictions among young people, highlighting its role in early intervention. However, both sources acknowledge that the program's funding has decreased significantly, with over 1,340 centres closing between 2010 and 2022, which could jeopardize these gains. The IFS report calls for renewed investment in early years services to maintain and enhance these benefits.
How we got here
Sure Start was introduced by the Labour government in 1999 to provide comprehensive support for families with young children. It aimed to address gaps in early years care and education, particularly for low-income families, by offering services that promote health, learning, and family support.
Common question
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What is Sure Start and how does it impact youth outcomes?
Sure Start is a program designed to support families with young children, particularly those from low-income backgrounds. Recent reports highlight its significant impact on youth outcomes, including education and crime rates. This raises important questions about the long-term benefits of early intervention and the future of such programs in the UK.
More on these topics
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The Institute for Fiscal Studies is an economic research institute based in London, United Kingdom, which specialises in UK taxation and public policy. It produces both academic and policy-related findings.
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Sure Start is a UK Government area-based initiative, announced in 1998 by the then Chancellor of the Exchequer, Gordon Brown, applying primarily in England with slightly different versions in Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland.
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Labor-Gesher was a joint list of the Israeli Israeli Labor Party and Gesher parties for elections for the twenty-second Knesset. The list advocated social democracy and progressive taxation. The list's platform focused primarily on socio-economic issues.