BMJ  2006;332:1476 (24 June), doi:10.1136/bmj.38853.451748.2F (published 16 June 2006)

Research

Effects of Sure Start local programmes on children and families: early findings from a quasi-experimental, cross sectional study

Jay Belsky, professor of psychology and director1, Edward Melhuish, professor of human development1, Jacqueline Barnes, professor of psychology1, Alastair H Leyland, director2, Helena Romaniuk, chief statistician1, National Evaluation of Sure Start Research Team

1 Institute for the Study of Children, Families and Social Issues, Birkbeck, University of London, London WC1B 3RA, 2 MRC Social and Public Health Sciences Unit, University of Glasgow, Glasgow G12 8RZ

Correspondence to: J Belsky j.belsky{at}bbk.ac.uk

Abstract

Objective To evaluate the effects of Sure Start local programmes (SSLPs) on children and their families. To assess whether variations in the effectiveness of SSLPs are due to differences in implementation.

Design Quasi-experimental cross sectional study using interviews with mothers and cognitive assessment of children aged 36 months who speak English.

Setting Socially deprived communities in England: 150 communities with ongoing SSLPs and 50 comparison communities.

Participants Mothers of 12 575 children aged 9 months and 3927 children aged 36 months in SSLP areas; mothers of 1509 children aged 9 months and 1101 children aged 36 months in comparison communities.

Outcome measures Mothers' reports of community services and local area, family functioning and parenting skills, child health and development, and verbal ability at 36 months.

Results Differences between SSLP areas and comparison areas were limited, small, and varied by degree of social deprivation. SSLPs had beneficial effects on non-teenage mothers (better parenting, better social functioning in children) and adverse effects on children of teenage mothers (poorer social functioning) and children of single parents or parents who did not work (lower verbal ability). SSLPs led by health services were slightly more effective than other SSLPs.

Conclusion SSLPs seem to benefit relatively less socially deprived parents (who have greater personal resources) and their children but seem to have an adverse effect on the most disadvantaged children. Programmes led by health services seem to be more effective than programmes led by other agencies.


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Rapid Responses:

Read all Rapid Responses

If Sure Start Continues, Why Not Do Something Exciting?
Stella M O'Brien
bmj.com, 16 Jun 2006 [Full text]
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Gordon Marsden
bmj.com, 21 Jun 2006 [Full text]
Need for randomisation
Carole J Torgerson
bmj.com, 21 Jun 2006 [Full text]
Inequality may account for difference
Benjamin R Barr
bmj.com, 18 Dec 2006 [Full text]
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