The exciting £4.5 million is until 2029 and has been received to be used for Best Start Family Hubs. The funding will play a vital role in reducing inequalities for families in areas of disadvantage.
The government’s strategy giving every child the best start in life, sets out the importance of supporting every child and family through their early years, laying the foundations for future success.
It is part of their Plan for Change promise to break the link between a child’s background and their future success, with the aim to ensure 75% of children are ready to learn when they start school by 2028.
Blackburn with Darwen has four family hubs in Darwen, Livesey, Little Harwood and Shadsworth.
Councillor Julie Gunn, Executive Member for Children, Young People and Education said:
“This is exciting news and shows that the government recognises that local areas face different challenges, serve diverse populations, and require culturally tailored approaches. This funding is very welcome to ensure that we can continue to offer the best start to new parents and improve our early years offer for families.”
The funding will also help with:
- collaboration with voluntary, community, and faith organisations, early years and care providers to better engage disadvantaged families
- outreach and peer support approaches to improve evidence based intervention take up
- community-based activities such as stay-and-play sessions to engage families with the services
It will help support a key part of the vision for integrated family services – bringing together health, education, early years, and wider services to give families a cohesive offer of support through their Best Start Family Hub (BSFH).
From pregnancy to childcare and beyond, every milestone in the early years of a child’s life helps shape their development.
The Best Start in Life campaign aims to increase awareness of the role of the early years in a child’s development, increase parental understanding of things they can do in their child’s early years and how early education supports child development.
Being a parent is full of joyful firsts but can also feel daunting, with questions both big and small, which is why the Best Start in Life website brings together trusted advice, support and guidance for parents to turn to. Whether they are wondering when the right time is to wean their baby, looking into childcare support options, or thinking about activities to get their child ready for school, the Best Start in Life website offers a broad range of information for families, including eligibility for childcare offers, help to find free breakfast clubs and Best Start Family Hubs in their area, and support on pregnancy through to starting school and beyond.
Explore Best Start in Life to find trusted resources and information as well as local support.