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This paper draws on evidence from a local Sure Start evaluation of low participation rates among ethnic minority families. It reflects national concerns regarding the low use of children's services among ethnic minority families. The evaluation aimed to improve understanding of the factors that affect families' participation in Sure Start services. A sample of 34 ethnic minority parents, six Sure Start outreach workers and four community workers from allied local agencies were interviewed in 2006. The interviews revealed an unexpected disparity between the views of the majority of the workers and those of local, Sure Start-eligible parents. The workers felt that the main factor discouraging participation was too little focus on multiculturalism. However, parents focused on practical barriers, concerns around age and the perceived indiscipline of some Sure Start families. Parents generally saw their own ethnic culture as being compatible with Sure Start values. While most workers viewed minority communities as having homogeneous needs, parents discussed the heterogeneity of' communities. .Ethnicity and cultural factors do not have a simple or straightforward impact on people's decisions over whether to access Sure Start services.