The Sure Start programme is one of the best legacies of the last government. It not only teaches toddlers, but as important these days, it helps mothers (and fathers) acquire parenting skills, which they so often lack. Since the sixties many of the old wisdoms have been cast aside, so that parenting is no longer instinctive and is sometimes almost non-existent. Labour spotted this and the remedy has proved a hit with young parents and is almost universally popular.
It would be bad for the country and foolish politically if this now were put in jeopardy. Of course there have to be cuts, but as stated in a recent post, across the board percentages are an arbitrary and potentially inefficient way of applying savings. Once again the Education Department looks a spasmodic operation unable to think in a joined up way. Disappointing.