Case studies

The early years sector in the UK is facing a severe recruitment and retention crisis, with many settings struggling to find and keep qualified staff.

Hillingdon Council explored the development of family hubs to bring together a support network for children, young people and families. Hillingdon self-funded its family hubs as the location was not a government funded family hub area, yet the council recognised the value of service delivery in this way. By focusing on collaboration across sectors and a flexible, community-driven approach we were able to develop a model that meets diverse needs and maximises existing community resources.

The government has set a target for 75 percent of children completing reception year to be 'school ready' by 2028.

Since 2022 the service has been commissioned by Public Health through Home-Start, an organization with a successful track record in supporting parents of all ages, with a dedicated Coordinator providing a key point of contact and working closely with other services.

Established in 2017, the North East Young Dads and Lads (NEYDL) provides intensive and often long-term support to improve the lives of disadvantaged young fathers, expectant dads and non-birthing people aged 25 and under. NEYDL’ vision is for young dads to be valued and supported in their role as parents.

Blackburn with Darwen (BwD) has thoughtfully harnessed national investment and local infrastructure to craft a dynamic, community-centered model. The borough retained eight children’s centres - four of which have been transformed into vibrant family hubs, while the remaining four operate as linked satellite children’s settings. Each site serves a unique neighbourhood, guaranteeing comprehensive coverage across the borough.

Moorlands Family Centre supports communities across a range of wards in Milton Keynes. It is located in Beanhill, in Woughton and Fishermead Ward, ranked in the 3% of the most deprived areas in England.

Liverpool City Council’s Parenting Team coordinated the expansion of the programme, working with schools, Family Hubs, children’s centres, prisons, and community organisations. Through coproduction, outreach, and targeted training, staff across the city were supported to become parent group facilitators, by training to deliver the 10-week group-based Programme.

Warwickshire’s Family and Relationship Support team serves approximately 600,000 residents across 763 square miles and five districts/boroughs.

Torbay Council Children’s Services commissions Westward Housing to deliver Torbay Young Parents’ Service with the aim of providing support and accommodation for young families aged 16 to 24 to live together successfully in their community.