Launch of Best Start Family Hubs to transform early years support

Brent is launching a new Early Years Strategy designed to make support for families simpler, faster and easier to access, giving every child the best possible start in life.

The ambitious new approach will focus on earlier intervention, stronger support for our youngest children with additional needs, and tackling inequalities before they become barriers to a child’s future.

At the heart of the strategy is a network of Best Start Family Hubs (formerly known as Brent Family Wellbeing Centres) welcoming local spaces where families can access advice, guidance and services from pregnancy through to 18 - and up to 25 for young people with special educational needs. The Family Hubs bring health, education and family support services together in community settings, making services easier to access and helping parents and carers get the right support at the right time.

Residents are invited to attend the hub launch events to meet local professionals, find out about the support available through the hubs and connect with services including health visiting, parenting support, early education, childcare advice, speech and language development, SEND support, and activities for children and young people.

• St Raphael’s Best Start in Life Family Hub launch – Wed 17 June, 1-3pm
• Preston Park Best Start in Life Family Hub launch – Thurs 2 July, 11.30am -2.30pm

The strategy also sets bold targets to increase take-up of free childcare, improve school readiness and help more children thrive by the time they start school.

Cllr Jake Rubin, Cabinet Member for Children’s Services, Employment and Climate Action, said: “Every child deserves the best possible start in life, and every family should be able to access the support they need quickly and easily.

“Our new Best Start Family Hubs and Early Years Strategy mark a major step forward for Brent, bringing services together so families receive joined-up support from pregnancy through to school age. By investing early, working closely with families and tackling inequalities head-on, we can help more children thrive and build stronger foundations for their future success.”

Shaped by the views of more than 400 local parents, carers and professionals, the strategy and new hub network set out a clear vision for a more connected, inclusive and family-focused early years system across the borough.

• Visit our Family Hubs page for more information.
• Read Brent's Early Years Strategy.