The number of children under three living in families completely dependent on benefits dropped by 3.8 per cent to 40.4 per cent over four years, compared to a drop of 1.2 per cent to 22 per cent for England as a whole, the study said.
Researchers at Birkbeck University, London, examined the rate of change in 260 SSLP areas from 2000/2001 to 2003/ 2004, in programmes running for an average of three years, as part of the National Evaluation of Sure Start.
Co-author Professor Jacqueline Barnes said 'some encouraging changes' had taken place. However, the report concludes that there is less evidence of progress in improving young children's health. The major change was a reduction in the number of children from birth to three hospitalised for severe injury, which it said could be attributed to multi-agency working and increased social services involvement. The rate of new registrations on the Child Protection register also rose significantly, which it said could be due to earlier identification of families in need.
Register now to continue reading
Thank you for visiting Nursery World and making use of our archive of more than 35,000 expert features, subject guides, case studies and policy updates. Why not register today and enjoy the following great benefits:
What's included
-
Free access to 4 subscriber-only articles per month
-
Unlimited access to news and opinion
-
Email newsletter providing activity ideas, best practice and breaking news
Already have an account? Sign in here
