WARRINGTON Borough Council and local partners have launched a new Best Start Local Plan, setting out a shared commitment to ensuring every child in Warrington has the healthiest, happiest start in life.
The plan brings together health services, Early Years providers, Family Hubs, schools, and the voluntary and community sector behind a single vision: to make sure families can access the right support at the right time, from pregnancy through to age five.
Developed in partnership with families and frontline practitioners, the Best Start Local Plan responds to the changing needs of local communities and the growing evidence that the first 1,001 days are critical to a child’s long-term development. It also focuses on the next 1,001 days up to when a child turns five years old.
A clear focus on outcomes for children and families
The plan sets out how partners will tackle key local challenges, as part of the national Best Start for Life programme. Priorities include:
• Making sure Family Hubs are the go to place for early support, acting as a “one stop shop” where families, children and young people aged 0–19 (or 25 with SEND) can access support
• Improve support for mums and babies, focusing on mental health support for mums before/after birth and help with infant feeding
• Make sure support is inclusive and effectively supports children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND)
This work will make a real difference for families by giving them more consistent and easier to access early help, improved support with parenting and emotional wellbeing, smoother transitions into childcare and school, and a more joined up Family Hub offer across the borough.
The Best Start Local Plan is about services working better together, with Family Hubs leading the way. By sharing information and aiming for the same goals, professionals can spot issues earlier, reduce inequalities, and support families before problems get worse.
Cllr Matt Smith, cabinet member for children’s, families and education, said: “The first few years of life shape everything that follows. This plan demonstrates our shared commitment across Warrington to giving every child the best possible start, regardless of their background or circumstances.
“This is a major step forward for our Early Help system and shows how partners across the borough are working together to support families earlier and more effectively.”
To find out more about the Best Start Local Plan and our Family Hubs, visit: warrington.gov.uk/family-hubs
