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.
The presence of 'Area Based Initiatives' (ABIs) in SSLP areas, for example early excellence centres and neighbourhood nurseries, was 'an important factor for positive change'. The report said, 'It may be that a "critical mass" of initiatives is necessary to instigate and sustain marked change in disadvantaged neighbourhoods.' For example, the number of mothers under 18 was 'markedly' reduced in areas where four or more other ABIs were based.
The study also examined change according to five types of SSLP area.
Professor Barnes said the make-up of each was relevant to the change that occurred.
She said, 'Each area has its own personality, which suggests a need for more local planning. Local characteristics should drive what's happening.'
The report can be downloaded at www.dfes.gov.uk/ research.
