Cradle to classroom - The Guardian 29th August 2007

Despite the well-worn "cradle to grave" phrase, the welfare state traditionally did little for children until they arrived at the school gate. But in the last few years ministers have set about building up services for the youngest - and with the sort of energy more often associated with toddlers themselves. The first ever pre-school curriculum came alongside a change in the law to make nursery places an entitlement. And then, most ambitious of all, there is the mushrooming network of Sure Start Children's Centres which, at a cost of billions, are set to provide integrated health, learning and childcare support in every part of the country.

Link to Article