Case studies

North East Lincolnshire developed a volunteer programme to strengthen Best Start Family Hubs through peer support and community capacity. Building on Sure Start learning, the aim was to increase engagement, support early intervention, and create pathways into employment for local residents.

Halton Family Hubs introduced monthly Baby Showers towards the end of 2023 as an innovative approach to supporting families during pregnancy and early parenthood. The initiative aims to simplify how families access information, advice, and support at a time that can often feel overwhelming.

Best Start Family Hub – Tudor Way is a key part of Worcestershire’s Best Start in Life Family Hubs programme, providing accessible, coordinated support for families with children aged 0–19 (or up to 25 for young people with SEND). Located in the Dines Green area of Worcester, the hub offers a welcoming, non stigmatising space where families can access help early, develop skills and confidence, and connect with services in their local community.

Across the UK, local government is stepping up to tackle the climate emergency. Councils are facing growing challenges across the country and need practical ways to make real change.

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.

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