Oh dear. The Government has been caught red-handed trying to hide politically embarrassing new research on the impact of Sure Start.
Politically embarrassing because this same Government has halved Sure Start funding and is constantly talking the programme down. Awkwardly the new Oxford University research proves once again that Sure Start provides a truly transformative service for disadvantaged families.
Please take a look at my article exploring the research and attacking the cover-up.
Just drop me an email if you’d like to receive my monthly newsletter by email: cllr.michael.pavey@brent.gov.uk
It’s Halloween today and ghouls are everywhere. It seemed a fitting moment to write about the Government’s mysterious ghost consultation on Sure Start. Please take a look at my article on The Huffington Post
I went to school in Lincolnshire where we still have the traditional Eleven Plus.
One of my friends at Primary School always wanted to work in TV. She failed the Eleven Plus. The next day I overheard in the Post Office: “She’ll never be able to work in TV now, she’s failed the Eleven Plus” – to murmurs of agreement.
This is what the Eleven Plus does. It carves society into winners and losers; it emburdens children with social judgement – and all before they’re old enough to watch a Bond film at the cinema.
My old Primary School
George Osborne obviously realises the importance of supporting families. That’s why every time he cuts family services he’s too scared to announce it.
Adeela is a victim of domestic violence.
She has been ostracised by her family and threatened by her husband’s family. She fled, terrified, and spent six weeks sleeping on her friend’s couch. Her baby daughter developed health problems.
Michael Pavey 