A new review says that the Sure Start programme has significantly improved child physical health, strengthened social development and supported neurodevelopment, particularly among low socio-economic and ethnic minority groups.
Sure Start was established in 1999 to bridge health, educational, and social gaps for underprivileged families, with a focus on multicomponent interventions. This systematic review has been described by its authors as the most extensive of its kind to date The findings included higher breastfeeding rates; reductions in accidental injuries; improved home learning environments; academic achievements with longer term involvement; and reduced behaviour difficulties.
Lead author Dr Jatinder Hayre said: ‘Our review underscores the urgent need for renewed and sustainable funding: by fortifying families in their earliest steps, we cultivate brighter health prospects, enrich educational beginnings, and lessen society’s future burdens.’
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