A Peterborough councillor says families are set to receive support with early years development
It's as best start family hubs are set to launch here within the next year
Families in Peterborough will soon be getting extra help with their children’s early years development.
New best start family hubs are due to open in the city over the next year, offering more support for parents and carers.
It's my ambition and drive to make sure that there is a family hub access in every community in this city
Families in Peterborough will soon find it easier to navigate the maze of early years advice, thanks to a new national campaign launched during a ministerial visit at a local Family Hub.
With new research showing that one in three parents now scroll social media for tips about their young children—and nearly 70% struggle to separate reliable guidance from viral myths—the government’s “Best Start in Life” campaign aims to offer a clear, evidence-based alternative.
The initiative brings together trustworthy NHS and government-backed advice on everything from sleep and feeding, to speech and development, giving parents a one-stop shop both online and in person.
To make this support even more accessible, 65 areas including Peterborough will share £12 million in new funding to set up “Best Start Family Hubs,” offering local families face-to-face guidance—no scrolling required.
Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson says that the campaign is “cutting through the online noise with advice parents can trust—making sure every child gets the best possible start.”
With local investment now in place and support from early years experts, Peterborough’s parents will soon have the clarity and confidence they need to help their children thrive.
It takes a village
Katy Cole, from Peterborough City Council, said:
"It's my ambition and drive to make sure that there is a family hub access in every community in this city."
"They offer so many different services from play and stay, to midwife support, to health support, to baby banks, to clothing banks, to food support."
"Especially if you are not in a network, a family network that's got children. Having these essential services on the doorstep to families means that you can come and ask the questions that you may think are silly."
"The only way a child can have equal opportunities is if they have access to the same thing that every other child has across the city. The first thousand days of a child's life is the most important, and so let's make sure that those experiences are quality experiences."