FREE GLD & Best Start in Life Planning Template

A practical template to help local areas structure their thinking and set out a clear plan for improving Good Level of Development (GLD)

Local authorities across England are being asked to demonstrate how they will deliver Best Start in Life ambitions, improve Good Level of Development (GLD) outcomes and reduce inequalities.

At the same time, we know systems are under pressure. There is a lot going on, new expectations, ongoing delivery, workforce challenges and the need to respond to local need, all at once.

What we are hearing repeatedly from local areas is not a lack of commitment or ideas, but a request for something practical.

About the template

We have created a high-level template for a GLD / Best Start plan to help local areas bring together existing thinking, data and activity in one clear, structured place.

The template:

• helps structure thinking, rather than create more work
• supports a clear narrative about priorities, inequalities and action
• brings together health, early years, education and family support
• makes it easier to articulate how local activity contributes to improved GLD

It draws on:

• national insight and emerging best practice
• existing data and evidence sources (including GLD data and Best Start resources)
• our experience working alongside local authorities, Family Hubs and partners

We’re sharing this for FREE, because multiple areas asked us for it and told us it would be helpful.

What this template is 

This template is:

• a practical starting point
• a way of sorting and organising what you already know
• adaptable to your local context, capacity and priorities

It is not:

• exhaustive or prescriptive
• a one-size-fits-all model
• a replacement for local knowledge or professional judgement

It reflects what we consistently see helping systems move from ambition to delivery, but it’s designed to be used flexibly.

 Want more support?

Alongside developing this template, our team has been working with local authorities and partners across the country to support improvement in early childhood outcomes and reduce inequalities.

We work alongside local systems to turn learning into action, helping areas move from insight and intention to clear priorities, practical plans and sustainable delivery.

Our support includes:

Diagnostic & Insight Review

A short, focused piece of work to understand where you are now. We will:

• map your local strategy and delivery landscape
• support you to access, pull together and make sense of data from across partners
• review existing data, plans and outcomes (rather than starting from scratch)
• engage key partners across early years, health, Family Hubs and the VCS
• identify strengths, gaps and realistic quick wins

Best Practice Design Workshops

Facilitated workshops bringing leaders and practitioners together to:

• explore evidence-informed approaches
• agree what will make the biggest difference locally
• set realistic priorities and delivery plans
• strengthen shared ownership across partners

Implementation Support & Coaching

Hands-on support to help plans become reality, including:

• testing and embedding new approaches
• workforce development and practice change
• coaching for leaders and programme teams
• practical tools and measures you can continue using

Why work with us?

✔ Experience across Family Hubs, Early Help and workforce development
✔ A dedicated research team and subject-matter specialists in early childhood and system change
✔ Independent, credible facilitators trusted by national and local partners
✔ National insight from our work with the Local Government Association, giving us a clear view of emerging best practice across the country
✔ Practical, evidence-informed approaches grounded in what works locally
✔ Flexible support shaped around your system, capacity and budget
✔ A clear focus on outcomes, equity and what works for families

Get in touch

If you’d like to talk about how this template could be used locally, or explore further support, we would be very happy to have a conversation.

👉 [Contact us]