Innovation in local government is about improving the lives of the people in our
communities. Browse through our case studies to see the many innovative programmes councils are involved
in.
Wigan Council has implemented a multi channel, highly visual engagement strategy to increase awareness and take up of Family Hub services. This includes large scale distribution of QR coded information cards, a new digital booking system, and community engagement with branding development.
Dudley Council, in partnership with BookTrust, is embedding the Bookstart programme across its Family Hub network to strengthen early language, literacy and school readiness. The programme is coordinated by Dudley Libraries, who have built networks across the region to identify the most effective routes to reach families most in need.
This case study outlines how Leicester City Council – including the Library Service and Family Hubs teams – are working together using BookTrust resources to promote early reading among families facing barriers to support.
Overview
Redcar and Cleveland were experiencing discharge delays across the local system, and intermediate care bedded provision was not leading to return home as frequently as would be expected.
Action
Demand pressures and increasing costs were putting strain on the system, making it difficult to maintain service quality and meet the needs of service users efficiently. There was recognition that no single partner could deliver systemic improvement alone; effective collaboration across Stoke-on-Trent City Council, Staffordshire County Council and Midlands Partnership Foundation was essential for meaningful change.
Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, Halton’s intermediate care provision was delivered through several separate services. These included the Rapid Access Rehabilitation Service, a Capacity and Demand Team, falls prevention team, hospital discharge teams and a Frailty team. While each service provided valuable support, they operated largely independently.
In 2017, Croydon Council, the local NHS Commissioning body, local health providers and voluntary organisations formed the One Croydon Alliance. They signed a legally binding 10 year agreement to work as one system, with shared goals and shared responsibility for local people’s wellbeing.
This case study shows how Dingley’s Promise Specialist SEND Early Years Centre’s improve outcomes for children with SEND, reduce pressure on costly statutory systems, increase successful transitions into mainstream education, and strengthen specialist sufficiency in the early years. It also demonstrates why investing earlier is more effective and more affordable than waiting until needs escalate.
This case study explores the structure and development of the SEND Early Years Service in East Sussex, the services provided to early years settings and families, the emerging evidence of impact, and the future direction of the work in line with Best Start for Life and Family Hub developments.