Research finds long-lasting benefits from Sure Start

Sure Start centres prevented thousands of children from being hospitalised and cut health inequalities, according to new research from Institute of Fiscal Studies and reported in LocalGov online.

Research found the centres, which were established in 1999 to provide support for parents with young children in disadvantaged areas, had positive effects on those who had been through the programme, preventing hospitalisations at age five by 7% and had long-lasting health benefits for children beyond their time in the scheme.