§ Helen JonesTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what progress has been made on the evaluation of the Sure Start programme begun in 2001; and if she will make a statement. [26817]
§ Yvette Cooper[holding answer 15 January 2002]: The national evaluation of Sure Start will look at the efficacy and cost-effectiveness of Sure Start in the short, medium and long term. Researchers from Birkbeck college, University of London are carrying out this work on behalf of the Government.
A comprehensive programme of fieldwork is under way. Findings will be published on a regular basis starting with a report on the early experiences of setting up and implementing Sure Start, in spring 2002. The first findings on the impact of Sure Start on children, families and communities will be available in spring 2003.
§ Helen JonesTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills when Warrington will be invited to submit a bid for another Sure Start project. [26818]
§ Yvette Cooper[holding answer 15 January 2002]: Later this year we will invite more applications for Sure Start, bringing the total number of programmes announced to at least 500. The districts where these programmes will be located will be selected primarily on the basis of their levels of disadvantage and child poverty. I cannot say at this stage which districts will be included.