Case studies

Using provision and support mapping to create an Under Fives Speech, Language and Communication Strategy: Brighter Futures for Children (Reading LA) used the Best Start in SLCN guidance to create an under-fives strategy to support the development of improving SLCN to have an impact on children’s outcomes.

Middlesbrough’s Family Hubs are shaping a parenting offer that is easy to access, relational, and woven through day-to-day early years practice in the borough.

Coventry City Council, along with the multiagency partnership, has developed a city-wide model of integrated family support through eight Family Hub locations.

We know that all too often families are left to work out for themselves not only what help they need, but also where to find it. Northumberland’s review discovered that there was no centralised source of information available to parents or carers about their child's development during pregnancy and until the age of two. Upon joining the Family Hub and Start for Life programme, Northumberland set about creating a one-stop shop so that every parent and carer can access the support they need when they need it.

Recognising that helping families across the whole of Cambridgeshire could lead to better outcomes, Cambridgeshire County Council and Peterborough City Council began working together on an Early Years Strategy in 2017, in partnership with colleagues across the children’s health system and communities.

The Isle of Wight Family Hubs enhanced antenatal support by integrating maternity services with Family Hub programmes, notably the evidence-based “Welcome to the World.” This initiative improved early engagement, increased parental confidence, and strengthened pathways to postnatal services. Midwives refer families via Badgernet at 16 weeks, boosting access to workshops and support. Data shows rising participation and improved parental wellbeing, especially among underrepresented group

Fantastic 2s began in late 2016 as a small pilot – and nine years on, it’s still going strong! The programme was born out of a clear need: the uptake of free early education places was worryingly low.

In response to Section 507B of the Education Act 1996, Barking and Dagenham developed a dynamic, co-owned Youth Offer shaped by young people and VCFS partners.

Babies have a voice – that is, they have a right to have their views taken seriously in decisions affecting their lives. This voice is best interpreted through warm relationships with those who know them well. This resource covers the importance of listening to babies’ views to understand their experiences and give them the best start in life.

The Coventry Parent Voice Network was established to amplify parent and carer involvement in shaping local services, driven by Family Hub and Start for Life National Framework to create Parent Carer Panels.