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.
The National Literacy Trust (NLT) works to ensure that all families—particularly those living in financial hardship—can engage in meaningful early learning experiences. Their approach emphasises no cost or low cost activities, inclusive practice, and reducing the mental load on parents.
Lancashire County Council identified improving school readiness and the proportion of children achieving a Good Level of Development (GLD) as a key strategic priority. System intelligence showed that too many children were reaching school age without the core developmental foundations needed to thrive
This case study describes how the charity Dingley’s Promise worked in partnership with parents carers to ensure a successful inclusion project reached as many families and early years practitioners as possible. It describes the strategic approach taken and practical tips gained from working closely with local authorities (LAs) as well as the parent carers involved.
Nottingham City Council developed its first Best Start Strategy (2025–2035) through co production with partners, parents, caregivers and children to tackle inequalities and improve outcomes from pre conception to age five, using data and lived experience to shape a child centred, preventative approach.
This case study describes how Parent champions were recruited by the LA through a range of services working with families. These parents worked alongside Dingley's and the LA and led their own activities to drive training engagement and develop parent on parent support locally.
Families Thriving Together is a charity founded in Southeast England in 2022 by CEO Michelle Tucker, which brings parenting support to hundreds of families each year – most of them through referrals from the local authority. Michelle has years of experience delivering local authority settings and has a unique understanding of how local authorities and local charities can work well together.
By pairing a clear public commitment with practical tools, senior leadership endorsement and sustained workforce engagement, Gloucestershire County Council has begun to embed ethical thinking into everyday data and intelligence practice, supporting better decision making, trust and accountability, particularly in sensitive service areas such as children’s services.
Like many areas nationally, Hull has faced ongoing challenges with childhood vaccination uptake, particularly with Measles, Mumps and Rubella (MMR) vaccination.