We led new national research on what helps children get the best start in life

We’re proud to share that we led a major new national research programme commissioned by the Local Government Association (LGA), exploring what works to improve early childhood outcomes and accelerate progress towards the ambition that 75 per cent of children achieve a Good Level of Development (GLD) by age five.

We designed and delivered the research in partnership with councils, statutory partners, the voluntary and community sector, and parents and carers across 60 English local authorities. Our approach combined:

• national engagement and a rapid review of evidence
• in-depth multi-agency workshops with professionals across early years, health, education and family support
• workshops and interviews with parents and carers, focusing on what genuinely helps children thrive
• detailed case studies capturing innovation and delivery on the ground

This allowed us to build a clear, practice-focused picture of what is helping areas move faster – and what is still getting in the way.

What the research found

The findings point to a consistent set of system conditions and approaches that support stronger early childhood outcomes.

1. A whole-system focus on the 0–5 years

Areas making progress take a joined-up, 0–5 approach, aligning health, early education, family support and community services around shared outcomes for children and families.

2. Early identification and early intervention

The research reinforces that early support matters most. Strong use of Healthy Child Programme contacts, integrated 2–2½ year reviews, and timely help with speech, language, communication and SEND are critical foundations for later GLD outcomes.

3. Tackling inequality head-on

Deprivation and poverty remain the strongest predictors of poorer outcomes at age five. Effective areas combine universal offers with targeted, data-informed support for families least likely to access help early.

4. Workforce capacity and capability

Workforce challenges cut across the early years system. Promising practice includes:

• ‘grow your own’ recruitment and progression routes
• multi-agency workforce development and shared learning
• specialist expertise embedded within universal services

Valuing and supporting the workforce is essential to delivering quality at scale.

5. Leadership, integration and better use of data

Progress is enabled by:

• strong, visible leadership focused on shared outcomes
• practical data use to identify gaps and target support
• effective collaboration between statutory and VCSE partners
• sustained investment in relationships, trust and improvement

What parents told us

Parents were clear about what makes the biggest difference to their child’s development:

• reliable, trusted information about parenting and development
• informal, accessible support and opportunities to connect with other parents
• timely support for SEND and neurodiversity
• play-based opportunities, such as stay-and-play provision

Above all, parents emphasised the importance of being treated with kindness, respect and compassion, and of being involved as partners rather than recipients of services.

This research provides a practical, evidence-informed foundation for both local delivery and national policy. It shows that progress towards the GLD ambition is achievable when systems focus on early, joined-up and equitable support, backed by a confident workforce and strong leadership.

We’re proud to have led this work for the LGA and to support councils and partners with insight that helps turn strategy into action.

Read the full report here: Achieving the Best Start in Life - Research to support a plan for partners