Sure Start requires a greater level of government funding if it is to be successful, says a charity campaigning against child poverty. Kate Green, the chief executive of the Child Poverty Action Group, said government plans to extend the scheme, which offers childcare and family support for under-5s, will not be possible without significant investment. She also called for clear-cut staff recruitment and training policies. Sure Start was initially targeted at the most disadvantaged 20 per cent of the country. Ms Green would like to see it extended nationwide.

* www.cpag.org.uk