![](/media/dv2fqw4z/cc.jpg?width=1002&height=668&bgcolor=White&v=1da6102b8686850)
The Institute for Fiscal Studies’ (IFS) first annual report on education spending in England finds that while Government spending overall on the early years has increased, day-to-day spending on Sure Start children’s centres has continued to fall.
According to the IFS, spending on Sure Start grew from about £600 million in 2001-02 to reach around £1.8 billion in 2009-10. However, in 2017-18, the Government spent just over £576 million on children’s centres - a drop of 67 per cent since 2009-10.
The figures echo those of the National Audit Office (NAO), which last year published statistics showing local authority spending on children’s centres had nearly halved since 2010.
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