East Midlands parents given support to get their children 'school ready'
Ministers say they don't want children in rural areas to slip through the net
Parents in the East Midlands are getting support to get their children school ready, amidst fears those living in rural areas could slip through the net.
The Government has opened 28 'Best Start Family Hubs' in the East Midlands this week to help tackle the problem.
What is a 'Best Start Family Hub'?
The hubs offer parenting advice, health support and SEND help all under one roof.
It is hoped parents will be able to save money on services, with them all being in one place. Furthermore, the hubs offer free services such as 'stay and play' sessions.
The Government said the hubs would build on the legacy of 'Sure Start' giving parents access to help with infant feeding and parenting advice, reducing the need for private classes.
Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson said: "Children growing up in our country deserve the best start in life, but for too long, too many families have been navigating the pressures of parenthood without the support they need.
"Best Start Family Hubs will revitalise family services - bringing together health, parenting support and practical advice in one place, free and close to home, so that parents can get the help they need, when they need it.
“I’ve seen the difference Sure Start made in my community, and why it’s so important that we bring that support back today, reimagined for a new generation of families.
"Whether it's advice on child development, help with additional needs, or simply a friendly face in the community, this government is putting the support so many families used to rely on, back into each and every community.”
These are the 28 hubs in the region:
Nottinghamshire
- Bassetlaw Family Hub, Misterton, Bassetlaw
- Harworth and Bircotes Family Hub, Harworth, Bassetlaw
- Retford Family Hub, East Retford East, Bassetlaw
- Hallcroft Family Hub, East Retford North, Bassetlaw
- Manton Family Hub, Worksop South East, Bassetlaw
- Prospect Kilton Family Hub, Worksop East, Bassetlaw
- North Worksop Family Hub, Worksop North, Bassetlaw
- West Bassetlaw Family Hub, Langold, Bassetlaw
- Eastwood Family Hub, Eastwood Hilltop, Broxtowe
- Tin Hat Family Hub, Brinsley, Broxtowe
- Beeston and Lenton Abbey Family Hub, Beeston North, Broxtowe
- Chilwell Family Hub, Chilwell West, Broxtowe
- Netherfield Family Hub, Netherfield, Gedling
- Killisick Family Hub, Coppice, Gedling
- Arnbrook Family Hub, Daybrook, Gedling
- Ravensdale Family Hub, Carr Bank, Mansfield
- Nottinghamshire Oaktree Family Hub, Oak Tree, Mansfield
- Titchfield and Oakham Family Hub, Mansfield
- Sherwood East Family Hub, Newlands Forest Town, Mansfield
- Ladybrook Family Hub, Penniment, Mansfield
- Mansfield Woodhouse Family Hub, Yeoman Hill, Mansfield
- Warsop Family Hub, Meden, Mansfield
- Calverton Family Hub, Calverton, Sherwood Forest
- Hucknall Family Hub, Hucknall South, Sherwood Forest
- Sherwood West Family Hub, Rainworth North & Rufford, Sherwood Forest
- Ollerton and Boughton Family Hub, Ollerton, Sherwood Forest
Derbyshire:
- Derbyshire 1, Rother, Chesterfield
- Derbyshire 1, Cotmanhay, Erewash
Health Secretary Wes Streeting said: "I want babies born this year to grow up as the healthiest generation than any before it - and that means building good habits early.
"We know that the earliest years of a child's life shape everything that follows. But for too long, families have had to navigate a maze of services at the very moment they need simple, straightforward help.
"We're making it easier for families to get the right support in one place - from pregnancy onwards.
“That means spotting problems earlier, stepping in sooner, and moving care closer to the communities that need it most."