Parental review of service uptake during the pre-school period.
This article outlines the development and analysis of the results of a community-led survey undertaken in year 1 of a 3-year period of evaluation for a first wave Sure Start programme. The survey had initially been suggested as a means of collecting data that was required, at the time, by the central Sure Start unit, however, its potential outside of this specific evaluative purpose was also recognized. In addition to providing important pointers for the future development of the programme, the findings give insight into a community within the west midland conurbation, and reviews the support that carers have accessed during the first 4 years of their youngest child's life. Their feelings and opinions are presented and demonstrate factors that influence the involvement of carers in this and other related programmes.