Local Sure Start programmes have delivered a wide range of often innovative services to ensure children aged under four and new parents in disadvantaged areas receive help specifically tailored to their needs.
First launched in 1999, they were promised ring-fenced funding for ten years channelled through local partnership boards comprising community groups, local authorities, health agencies, voluntary groups and, crucially, parents.
But with a target of creating 2,500 children's centres delivering family-focused integrated services by 2008, and 3,500 by 2010, the Government is handing more strategic control over the provision of children and family services - and ultimately the purse strings - to local authorities.
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