One-stop shops for parents to open across England

Families with children will soon be able to access vital support services all in one place.

Up to 1,000 Best Start Family Hubs will be opened across England by the end of 2028, serving as a 'one-stop shop' for families from pregnancy through the early years and beyond.

This will mean parents can be confident that accessible and affordable health, education and wellbeing support will be available in their area.

A new Best Start digital service will also be launched, so parents can get practical and useful guidance within seconds.

What services will Best Start Family Hubs offer?

The services each hub will provide will vary depending on what’s needed in each area, but families can expect:

• parenting advice and courses  
• 'stay and play' sessions where parents and children can meet other families
• support with a child's language and emotional development
• health services and advice
• help with managing children's behaviour and emotional needs
• guidance on creating a positive home learning environment 

Trained professionals will also be available to help parents of children with addition needs get the support they need.

Building on Sure Start’s legacy 

Best Start is an updated version of Sure Start, which was introduced under the previous Labour government.

Ministers want to draw on the lessons learned from the earlier scheme, as well as enhance existing family hubs and children’s centres.

At present, one in four families with children under five can’t access local children’s centres or family hubs.

That rises to one in three among lower income families. 

“I saw firsthand how initiatives like Sure Start helped level the playing field in my own community, said education secretary Bridget Phillipson.

“We’re building on its legacy for the next generation of children.

Health and social care secretary Wes Streeting added: “I know what it’s like to grow up in a family where work is low-paid and insecure, and I know the power of a good support network.

“That’s why rolling out these Best Start Family Hubs are so vital - one stop shops offering parents not only crucial connections with other families, but also the health, education and wellbeing support they need.”