Government launches 200 family hubs to boost support for parents
New centres will offer free advice, childcare support, and financial guidance to give children a stronger start in life
More than 200 family hubs will open this week as the Government seeks to provide more support for parents.
Known as “Best Start” hubs, they will provide free parenting advice, play sessions for infants, debt and welfare guidance for adults and early support for children with special educational needs and disabilities.
Ministers have pledged to open 1,000 of the hubs by the end of 2028, and say they will save families up to £200 a year.
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.”
The Best Start hubs are intended to “reimagine” the Sure Start programme introduced by the last Labour government and credited with improving health and education for disadvantaged children before they were largely dismantled under the Conservatives.
Ms Phillipson added: “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.”
Paul Whiteman, general secretary of school leaders’ union NAHT, said the Best Start hubs could offer “vital early support” to parents but needed “long-term investment, resources and staffing."