Our Best Start Local Plan 2026-29

Develop online and digital resources to help parents/carers support their child's wellbeing and capacity to learn

Why is this important? 

• parents/carers tell us that they wish to access information 24-7 in various media formats - "online options to fit busy lives"

• digital offers can provide vital support to those parents/carers unable to access centre-based provision - and some parents still report not knowing enough about the support available

• data generated can help to inform service improvements and highlight the specific needs of different user profiles  

Our progress in the last 12 to 24 months: 

• local authority hosts a comprehensive 'Healthy Babies' and 'SEND Local Offer' online - the (SEND) 'Rainbow Guide' App was also launched in 2025

• Facebook followers for the Best Start Family Hubs pages have doubled between 2023 and 2026 to over 9.6K followers

• commissioned the Triple P Baby Online e-learning programme and Anya App

• the 'Growing Healthy Gateshead' App provides a wide range of health and wellbeing information

• provide digital poverty support through the HDFT 0-19 membership of 'The Good Things Foundation Data Bank'

We will drive progress towards improved Best Start and GLD outcomes by: 

1. Introducing the EasyPeasy App - free to use by all Gateshead families - and extend access to the Anya App.  
2. Updating the online 'Healthy Babies' offer on the Gateshead Council portal. 
3. Developing information products and online campaigns to promote messages and resources on the Best Start agenda. 
4. Link and align local online information to the national (Best Start) Parenting Hub, (North-East Young Dads and Lads) DigiDAD portal and the 'My Children' information on the NHS App.

We will measure this by: 

• profile and usage data from digital suppliers - Anya and EasyPeasy
• Gateshead Council analytics desktop for Best Start Family Hub and Healthy Babies Offer
• qualitative feedback from families