The Department of Health and Social Care, along with the Department for Education, have announced a funding boost amounting to £126 million aimed at improving early years services for families and children.

This investment will specifically target areas with high levels of deprivation, offering a wide array of support from pregnancy through to the child's early years. Key components of this funding include:

• £57 million allocated to 75 local authorities for the 2025 to 2026 period, enhancing Start for Life services for families from pregnancy up to the age of 2.
• Support services ranging from mental health aid for families to infant feeding advice and parenting classes.
• Funds for Family Hubs, which provide integrated services like antenatal classes, health visits, and early education, ensuring children have the best possible start in life.

The initiative stems from the government's broader Plan for Change, aiming to ensure that every child can begin school ready to learn, with the goal of 75% of 5-year-olds reaching a good level of development by 2028.

The Department for Education and the Department of Health and Social Care are leading this venture, which includes the expansion of over 400 family hubs across England. These hubs serve as crucial access points for necessary services tailored to community needs, from healthcare to educational support.

Local authorities have been identified based on their specific needs, with the funding aimed at building a resilient foundation for children's development, addressing the early barriers to development, and enhancing overall child and family wellbeing.

For members interested in learning more about the local authorities that have received funding and how this might affect your community, a detailed list can be found here.