The Centre for Young Lives has published its second report on the provision of Best Start family hubs in England. The report highlights the range of local factors than can impact on early childhood development including access to high quality childcare and early education, wider support for families and the extent of deprivation. In partnership with local authorities and experts, the report identifies six principles for delivering a successful network of hubs, including: a single front door approach to support and an integrated local system; family support where the voices of children and families are heard; and family support that is embedded into communities. The report calls for the government to establish a statutory basis for the family hubs that brings all existing family support under one Best Start family hub legislative framework, with a duty placed on local partners to work together to support families through hubs.
Read the report: Best start: a fresh start for children and family support: part 2 report
Source: Centre for Young Lives
Date published: 05 November 2025
