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TABLE 3-22: MEASURES THAT SHOW SIGNIFICANT DIFFERENCES AS A FUNCTION OF SSLP LEAD AGENCIESNote: Values are differences between groups (95% confidence interval) unless otherwise stated.Source: Belsky et al (2006).It was concluded by the NESS research team that health-led SSLPs were probably found tobe more effective relative to other SSLPs due to better access to birth records and betterintegration of health visitors as part of a ready-made system of home-visitation (Belsky et al2006). However, the quasi-experimental, cross-sectional nature of the study and the factthat evaluation of the program occurred after only three years led to the conclusion thatresults should be treated with caution.Rutter (2006) stated, in relation to the finding of adverse effects for some relatively moredisadvantaged families, that this may have been due to individuals with greater personalresources being able to better take advantage of interventions. It has also been suggestedthat disadvantaged families may have found the increased attention created by someinitiatives as intrusive (NESS, 2005).A follow-up evaluation was recently conducted, with the aim of determining how recentchanges in Sure Start services had led to improvements in outcome for families in SSLPs. Inparticular, the Sure Start initiative was transformed with the provision of Children’s Centresafter 2005. This study focused on the 9,000 three-year olds and their families in the 150SSLP s which were initially studied in earlier phases (when children were nine months ofage). These children were then compared with children in comparison communities withoutSSLPs, who had also participated in the earlier studies.The key findings from this recent analysis were (NESS 2008): Parents of three year old children displayed less negative parenting while providingchildren with a better home learning environment. Three year olds in SSLP areas had improved social development, with higher levels ofpositive social behaviour and independence/self regulation, as compared to children insimilar areas without a SSLP. SSLP effects for positive social behaviour appeared to be a consequence of SSLPbenefits on parenting. Three year olds in SSLP areas had higher rates of immunisation and less accidentalinjuries than those in similar areas without a SSLP. It was stated that this could havebeen due to differences in when measurements were taken of children living in SSLPs,and those living elsewhere.92