The United States led the way in setting up successful early intervention programmes and England followed suit in an effort to give every child the best start in life. Laura Camps and Tony Long evaluate the outcomes of a service now under threat

Sure Start began in England under the UK’s former Labour government as an intervention for families with young children, particularly targeting the most deprived in society. More than a decade later the service is under threat in many parts of the country as local councils face financial difficulties. This article considers the origins, purpose and future of the service.