In one way it is good news that Bradford Council is to receive more than £60 million over the next three years to help to improve the situation of disadvantaged children, much of it going to Sure Start provision. This is the largest sum allocated to any local authority in the Yorkshire & Humberside region - higher even than the £59.7 million granted to Leeds, with its larger population.

It is intended that the money should also go towards outreach work to help the most disadvantaged families (paying particular attention to specific groups such as parents of disabled children or parents who are themselves disabled), to support for the early years workforce, and to ensuring there are enough childcare places and that nurseries are up to standard.

These are commendable goals. The money has the potential to make a real difference to many young lives. However, the grant is a two-edged sword. Presumably Bradford is receiving the most money because Bradford needs the most money - because the Government considers that it has a high number of youngsters requiring help to give them a proper start in life.

That view will have been reinforced by yesterday's report on the poor take-up of school meals in secondary schools and worries about the effects on children's health of an inadequate or badly-balanced diet.

There is clearly a great deal of work to be done, not only to protect children but also to educate their families as to how to best help themselves. Hopefully this funding boost will give that effort a useful push forward.