Getting the best start in life shouldn't depend on postcode. That's why we are rolling out Best Start Family Hubs across the country.
These hubs are part of a wider Best Start in Life strategy, backed by over £900 million over the next three years, to expand family services, bring support together in one place, and make it easier for parents to get the help they need.
Hundreds of Best Start Family Hubs are now open across England, with more on the way as we work towards having hubs in every local authority by 2028.
Here's what you need to know about the hubs and how they connect to other support for families.
What are Best Start Family Hubs?
Best Start Family Hubs will be local hubs where families can access a range of services all in one place. Think of them as a 'one-stop shop' for families with children from pregnancy through the early years and beyond.
Whether its free classes, events and activities, help with your children before they start school or finance and housing advice - the hubs will either provide these services directly or connect you to the right local support.
Many hubs also offer free stay-and-play sessions, infant feeding support, parenting advice and early help for children with SEND, so families can avoid paying for private classes or specialist support.
Hubs will also work with up to 2,000 linked local services such as GP surgeries, libraries, leisure centres, nurseries and community spaces, so families can get support in places they already go.
Why are they being created?
Many parents tell us they find it difficult to know where to go for help with their children.
Services can feel disconnected and hard to navigate, especially if your child has additional needs.
Some families can’t access help at all. Many children’s centres have closed or cut back services.
Research shows that early support makes a real difference – children who had access to Sure Start centres were more likely to achieve better GCSE results and had improved health outcomes.
Best Start Family Hubs build on the legacy of Sure Start, bringing services together again but in a more modern, joined-up way - combining face-to-face support, digital services, and partnerships with health, education and community organisations.
When will there be a Best Start Family Hub near me?
Over 200 new Best Start Family Hubs have opened in areas that were not previously funded, meaning families in every council area will have access to a hub.
This is the first stage of a plan to create up to 1,000 hubs across England by 2028, with hundreds expected to be operating as Best Start Family Hubs by April.
If you already have a Family Hub or children's centre in your area, it will continue to operate and may be enhanced under this new programme. Please check your local authority website for more information on services closest to you.
What services will be available at the hubs?
Services will vary depending on local needs, but you can expect:
- 'Stay and play' sessions where you and your child can meet other families
- Parenting advice and courses to boost your confidence
- Support with your 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
- Infant feeding support, midwifery, health visiting and perinatal mental health support through Healthy Babies services
- Debt advice, welfare guidance and help accessing financial support
For families with children who have additional needs, each hub will have a trained professional to help you navigate services and connect with local early years settings and health services.
Every hub will also have outreach workers to help reach families who might not otherwise access support.
How will the hubs support children with SEND?
Each Best Start Family Hub will have a children and family services professional trained to support children with additional needs. They'll help:
- Identify children who may need extra support before starting school
- Connect parents with local early years settings and health services
- Train family support staff to spot early signs that a child might need extra help
- Provide guidance for navigating what can be a complex system
There will also be dedicated SEND practitioners in every hub, helping families get the right support earlier and avoid being passed between different services.
What if I can't get to a hub in person?
A new Best Start digital service gives you quick access to trusted advice on parenting, child development. You'll be able to check your eligibility for childcare entitlements and connect to your local hub.
Support will also be available through linked community locations such as libraries, health centres and leisure centres, so families can access help closer to home.
Will the hubs connect with other childcare and early education services?
Yes, the hubs will help you find and access the right childcare for your family.
The hubs will also work closely with local nurseries, childminders and schools to make sure children get consistent support, especially those with additional needs who might need extra help when moving between different settings.
The hubs are just one part of wider support for families. Alongside them, eligible working parents can get 30 hours of funded childcare from when their child is 9 months old, thousands of new nursery places are being created in schools, and there's extra funding for disadvantaged children through the Early Years Pupil Premium.
Together, Best Start Family Hubs, Healthy Babies services and expanded childcare support are designed to make family life easier, improve school readiness, and help with the cost of living.