More evidence of the move to cross-sector working has emerged in further detail on the Chancellor’s Comprehensive Spending Review.

Among the initiatives to benefit from a three-year settlement bringing an extra five percent to the education budget, is a Sure Start programme.

Sure Start is a UK-wide programme endowed with 450 million pounds. It is a cross departmental initiative to co-ordinate childcare, nursery education, family learning and primary health care initiatives for children from birth to age three;

Education and Employment Secretary David Blunkett said: “The announcement heralds a new beginning for our schools, colleges and universities and demonstrates that the Government’s commitment to invest in the education and employability of all our people is top of our agenda. Every penny will help raise standards, make a reality of lifelong learning and help people without jobs into work.