Centre for Young Lives launches major new report calling for a ‘Fresh Start’ in family support

The Centre for Young Lives has published Part 2 of it's Best Start: A Fresh Start for Children and Family Support report.

The report sets out a vision for reforming and revitalising family support across England through the creation of Best Start Family Hubs. It argues for a “fresh start” in how services work together to help children and families — calling for a single front door for support, sustained investment, and a new national brand to make family hubs as recognisable and trusted as Sure Start once was.

Drawing on research with local authorities, health partners, and experts, the Centre for Young Lives identifies six key principles for delivering high-quality, accessible, and community-based family support. These include embedding co-production with families, targeting support where it is most needed, and ensuring joined-up national policy and funding.

The report highlights that despite progress, spending on children’s centres and family hubs remains less than a quarter of what it was at the height of Sure Start. The Centre calls for long-term, sustainable funding to ensure every family has access to trusted, local support that helps children thrive.

Read the full report here