The programme was found to deliver ‘long-lasting’ health benefits for children through to their teenage years.
The savings from reduced hospitalisations up to age 15 offset around 31 per cent of spending on Sure Start.
Funded by the Nuffield Foundation, the research is the first evidence of how the Sure Start programme affected children’s long-term health.
Focusing on the 2000s, when the programme was expanding, the research finds Sure Start:
The benefits for child health were likely due to stronger immune systems (which prevent infections in later childhood), less risky environments (reducing poisonings and accidents), improved mental health and potentially better behaviour during adolescence, states the report, which found no evidence that Sure Start affected mothers’ employment.
Register now to continue reading
Thank you for visiting Nursery World and making use of our archive of more than 35,000 expert features, subject guides, case studies and policy updates. Why not register today and enjoy the following great benefits:
What's included
-
Free access to 4 subscriber-only articles per month
-
Unlimited access to news and opinion
-
Email newsletter providing activity ideas, best practice and breaking news
Already have an account? Sign in here
