Publication:

Will the lessons be learned?: Reflections on local authority evaluations and the use of research evidence (2008)

Author(s): Clark J, Hall E

    Abstract: Sure Start programmes are complex, community-based initiatives – fore-runners of the Children’s Centres Initiative - which have been evaluated nationally and locally. Using an in-depth, retrospective case study of an evaluation of one local programme, the authors raise key issues pertinent to both practice and evaluation in the field, highlighting conflicts and dilemmas both within evaluation generally and, specifically relating to the evaluation of this programme. We illustrate the difficulties placed upon local evaluators by the lack of clear structures within which to work, and provide useful lessons as we move forward into the development and evaluations of new services for children and families.

      • Journal: Evidence and Policy
      • Volume: 4
      • Issue: 2
      • Pages: 255-268
      • Publisher: Policy Press
      • Publication type: Article
      • Bibliographic status: Published

      Keywords: Sure Start; Evaluation; complex community initiatives

      Staff

      Jill Clark
      Senior Research Associate and Business Development Director for the Research Centre for Learning and Teaching