Launched by Southampton City Council, the Best Start in Life programme is designed to support families during the first five years of a child’s life through a collaborative, community-focused approach.
The scheme is in line with the government’s ambition for 75.6 per cent of five-year-olds nationally to achieve a good level of development by 2028.
In 2025, 68.1 per cent reached that milestone in Southampton, slightly below the national average of 68.3 per cent.
READ MORE: Helping families access quality before and after school childcare
Southampton City Council has launched the Best Start in Life programme. (Image: Southampton City Council)
Amanda Barnes-Andrews, councillor responsible for children and families, said: “The recent change to the name Best Start Family Hub reflects the government’s strategy to give every child the very best start in life.
“Southampton’s seven Best Start Family Hubs, together with our schools and early years settings are at the heart of this programme which will build on the vital support we have always offered to parents and carers across the city.”
Parents and carers helped co-produce the programme’s citywide vision and will continue to play a central role in its design and delivery.
Professionals from the fields of childcare, education, health, faith, and the community and voluntary sectors will also contribute.
The programme will prioritise early identification of additional needs, improved access to SEND support, and better coordination across services.
READ MORE: Council tax bills are rising across Hampshire – here’s how much
Dr Debbie Chase, director of public health at Southampton City Council, said: “The Best Start in Life programme will strengthen our partnership working across childcare, education and health organisations.
“I look forward to seeing how it will transform services and enable better support for families no matter where they live.
“We will all be working towards more healthy and happy children set up for the best possible start in life.”
A shared data system will help identify concerns earlier, target support more effectively, and drive continuous improvement in outcomes.
The programme also links to the city’s new 10-year Health and Wellbeing Strategy, which includes ‘Starting Well’ as a key priority to improve early childhood development and tackle childhood obesity.