Ahead of a general election and a new government, we’re looking at successful past policies and what UK policymakers can learn from them.

Established in the 1990s, Sure Start introduced a network of family community centres throughout England, enabling a more cohesive approach to early years support services. The programme was rolled out over ten years and led to the creation of approximately 3,500 children’s centres, with a large number serving disadvantaged communities. Sure Start was found to have significant benefits on children’s health and educational attainment through childhood and adolescence, particularly among children living in disadvantage. However, funding for Sure Start has shrunk by 75% since 2019 and only 75 local authorities still have Family Hubs left, demonstrating the need for renewed focus and investment.

This in-person event will allow delegates to hear about why this initiative was a success, its impact on children and families, and the learnings that policymakers can take forward.

Nesta’s fairer start mission Deputy Director Louise Bazalgette will chair a panel of speakers with deep expertise on early years policy and the Sure Start initiative. You’ll hear from Nesta’s fairer start mission Director Sarah Cattan, the Nuffield Foundation’s Carey Oppenheim and Naomi Eisenstadt who was the first Director of the Sure Start unit.