Our Best Start Local Plan 2026-29

How does the data and family insights inform our approach? 

Our Best Start Local Plan aims to build on existing strengths, develop actions based on local data and insights and mitigate the systemic challenges above - this means: 

• developing clear, consistent information products for families in accessible formats
• a targeted teaching programme of support for children in settings with high FSM eligibility 
• developing a wraparound support offer for children identified through the ELIM-I assessment as requiring extra support to meet the GLD threshold 
• developing a robust early intervention offer in our communities of highest need
• more early support for those with SEND, male learners and those families under the oversight of children's social care
• develop the quality and availability of childcare and early years education, including take-up of support for families requiring additional support

We want our system to look like: 

• partners understand and adopt the 'Starting Reception' definition of school readiness
• our early years system is joined-up, supportive and accessible
• families and the early years workforce understand their role in supporting children's development 
• speech, language and communication needs are identified early and reduced where possible
• co-production with families is well-embedded

Underlying assumptions: 

• parents are their child's first and most important educators
• early intervention leads to better outcomes and reduces long-term costs
• universal provision is important, but change is only achievable alongside targeted, data-driven approaches
• collaboration across sectors leads to more coherent, effective family support
• place-based design builds trust, accessibility and sustainability
• our local system has strengths, but we have a clear rationale on why and how it can be improved