Case studies

Nottingham City Council developed its first Best Start Strategy (2025–2035) through co production with partners, parents, caregivers and children to tackle inequalities and improve outcomes from pre conception to age five, using data and lived experience to shape a child centred, preventative approach.

This case study describes how Parent champions were recruited by the LA through a range of services working with families. These parents worked alongside Dingley's and the LA and led their own activities to drive training engagement and develop parent on parent support locally.

This case study describes how the charity Dingley’s Promise worked in partnership with parents carers to ensure a successful inclusion project reached as many families and early years practitioners as possible. It describes the strategic approach taken and practical tips gained from working closely with local authorities (LAs) as well as the parent carers involved.

Liverpool is committed to reducing rates of violence within the city and caring for prisoners and their families. Their Prison Parenting and Engagement Lead has successfully integrated a number of programmes within HMP Altcourse that support not only fathers serving sentences, but their children at all stages of development, from antenatal to school age.

Lancashire County Council identified improving school readiness and the proportion of children achieving a Good Level of Development (GLD) as a key strategic priority. System intelligence showed that too many children were reaching school age without the core developmental foundations needed to thrive

Leicester Mammas is a long running, community based breastfeeding and infant feeding support programme operating across Leicester. Established in 2008, the service has evolved into a comprehensive model of wraparound support for families experiencing vulnerability, food insecurity, or barriers to accessing statutory services

Since June 2018, Leicestershire County Council has developed a network of five community fridges located in family hubs across Coalville, South Wigston, Hinckley, Loughborough and Lutterworth. The initiative aims to reduce food waste by redistributing edible surplus food while offering practical support to families and vulnerable adults.

Tower Hamlets has developed a coordinated, multi agency approach to supporting families experiencing financial hardship. By aligning community partnerships, welfare advice, and health based financial pathways, the local authority provides practical, accessible support embedded within everyday family services.

The National Literacy Trust (NLT) works to ensure that all families—particularly those living in financial hardship—can engage in meaningful early learning experiences. Their approach emphasises no cost or low cost activities, inclusive practice, and reducing the mental load on parents.

Portsmouth City Council, led by Tackling Poverty Strategic Coordinator Katy Ricks, has adopted a multi layered, partnership driven approach to reducing poverty and strengthening resilience across the city. This case study outlines the council’s key interventions, collaborative structures, and the challenges they are actively working to overcome.