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.
BookTrust is the largest children’s reading charity in the UK, with a purpose to support children from low income or vulnerable families to read regularly and by choice so they can experience the transformative benefits of reading. BookTrust has partnership agreements with every local authority in England and has further developed local collaboration, integrating with 342 Family Hubs.
East Sussex early years’ service operates as an integrated model, supporting children and families from birth to 19 years. The Health Visiting Service delivers the 0-5 Healthy Child programme via a skill mix team. Some of the interventions which support families are delivered via an integrated model with support from Early Years Practitioners.
The Birmingham Local Area SEND inspection in 2018 highlighted the need to reduce waiting times for Speech and Language Therapist referrals. In response, Birmingham adopted the Balanced System Approach, focusing on family support, environment, workforce, identification, and intervention.
The LGA Corporate Peer Challenge (CPC) in July 2024 was a key turning point for Bolton Council. The recommendations arising from the CPC have been instrumental in helping us to drive change and transformation.
In Halton, there has been a focus on addressing the emotional challenges of motherhood and the cultural barriers to breastfeeding. This builds on The Holding Time Project by artist Lisa Creagh, an initiative that challenges stereotypes and cultural norms, which was launched in Halton in 2024.
The health visiting service operates on a ‘Universal in Reach – Personalised in Response model with four levels of service: community, universal, targeted and specialist support.
This case study summarises a learning exchange between Bradford Children and Families Trust and Oxfordshire County Council . The discussion was initiated by Oxfordshire County Council, who were keen to learn from Bradford’s approach as they reflect on the future development of their own Best Start Family Hubs and parenting offer.
This case study details how CELT’s civic strategy aims to foster a community response and approach to improving outcomes for children in the mid Cornwall area. To capture this learning an interview took place with Claire Bunting Director of Reach for CELT, led by Ann Van Dyke.