Speaking at one of the new PM Direct meetings in Manchester, Mr Cameron said, 'We have got to try to make sure we are focusing on the people who need help the most. There is criticism sometimes with Sure Start that a great new centre is established and the "sharp-elbowed" middle classes, like my wife and me, get in there and get all the services.
'We need to make sure the money will be helping the people whose disadvantage is greatest. It can't just be a service that everyone can jump into and get advantage out of.’
But leading voices in the early years sector disagree and are calling for Sure Start to remain universal.
Findings from EPPE research published by the DCSF in 2008 found that children from disadvantaged backgrounds did better in centres where there was a mix of children from different social backgrounds.
With thanks to www.nurseryworld.co.uk
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