The Sure Start programme was set up with the aim of giving young children the best possible start in life, narrowing gaps in outcomes for disadvantaged children. First announced by the New Labour government in 1998, it has evolved regularly over the past two decades. Recent evaluations have found early versions of Sure Start delivered positive impacts for children – supporting improved educational attainment, employment outcomes and long-term health.   

So what lessons does Sure Start hold for long-term policymaking? How can national policymakers drive long-term change in social outcomes, what pitfalls need to be avoided, and where should any new government be looking if they want to improve children’s lives and health today? 

To discuss, our Chief Executive Jennifer Dixon is joined by:

Naomi Eisenstadt, former director for Sure Start and current Chair of Northamptonshire integrated care board (ICB).

Donna Molloy, Deputy Chief Executive at Foundations – What Works Centre for Children & Families.

IFS (2021). The health impacts of Sure Start. 

IFS (2024). The short- and medium-term impacts of Sure Start on educational outcomes. 

Eisenstadt (2022). Sure Start Review, The Therapeutic Journal. 

The Health Foundation (2024). Sure Start shows that to improve health, governments must keep the faith (blog). 

Molloy & Asmussen (2021). Worth the wait: new evaluation data shows positive impacts of Family Nurse Partnership, EIF/WWCSC

Hadley et al (2016). Implementing the UK's teenage pregnancy strategy for England. Reproductive Health.