Government unveils its plans and renewed commitment for the Best Start in Life

We are pleased to see that the government has unveiled its plans and renewed commitment for the Best Start in Life. The strategy, shared on 7th July 25, builds on the family hub programme to ensure support from every local authority in England.

Specifically, it aims to:

•              Improve support for families from pregnancy through age five, so parents and children get the help they need early on.

•              Make childcare and early education easier to find and more affordable for families.

•              Make sure children get high-quality care and learning in nurseries, with childminders, and in reception classes

The government pledged to deliver up to 1,000 new Best Start Family Hubs across every local authority in England by 2028.

They have introduced a £4,500 tax-free bonus for early years teachers working in the 20 most disadvantaged areas recognising the ongoing recruitment and retention crisis in early education.

Inspection schedules are also changing:

•              All new settings will be inspected by Ofsted within 18 months of opening

 •             Ongoing inspections will now happen every 4 years (reduced from 6)

The government is also proposing to introduce statutory targets for local areas, aiming for 75% of children achieving a “good level of development” by the end of the reception year meaning:

•              Greater focus on early language, communication, and social-emotional development

 •             A stronger link between nurseries, childminders and Reception classes

 •             Improved transition planning between early years and school settings

It has also committed to:

•              Developing a national professional register for the early years workforce

 •             Creating a clear career pathway with training and qualifications mapped out

 •             Supporting CPD (continuous professional development) across the sector