Purpose

To update Cabinet on the development of
BCP’s Best Start in Life Local Plan, which delivers the
Government’s strategy for improving outcomes from pregnancy
to age five and meets the requirement to publish a local plan by 31
March 2026

Content

RESOLVED that Cabinet
noted: -

(a)         
the continued development and publication of BCP
Council’s Best Start in Life Local Plan to meet the
statutory requirement for all local authorities to publish a plan
by 31 March 2026;

(b)         
the use of the Best Start Family Hub delivery
grant and associated external funding streams to build
workforce capacity, strengthen evidence-based interventions and
enable consistent delivery of the expanded Best Start
offer;

(c)         
the establishment and phased implementation of
Best Start Family Hubs, beginning with Boscombe as the first
site and a second site in the west locality; and

(d)         
the continued partnership governance
arrangements, including oversight by the Early Help Partnership
Board, to ensure coordinated delivery across Children’s
Services, Health, Early Years, Public Health and wider
partners.
Voting: Unanimous
Portfolio Holder: Children, Young People,
Education and Skills
Reason

1.   
To meet statutory duties and national policy
requirements. All local authorities must
publish a Best Start in Life Local Plan by 31 March 2026,
setting out their approach to improving outcomes from pregnancy to
age five. The plan also supports multiple statutory
responsibilities, including duties under the Childcare Act 2006,
Children and Families Act 2014, and safeguarding
frameworks.

To
deliver improved child development outcomes and meet Government-set
GLD targets. The Government has set
ambitious targets for GLD achievement, and BCP Council must
demonstrate a whole-system approach to reaching them. The Local
Plan sets out how Health, Early Years, Education and Family Support
Services will contribute collectively.
To
maximise use of available funding and ensure financial
sustainability. The Best Start Family Hub
delivery grant and aligned funding streams
(e.g., Public Health, Children’s Services early intervention grant) provide a time-limited
opportunity to build capacity, develop workforce skills, and embed
a sustainable delivery model.
To ensure
effective oversight, risk management and timely
delivery. Clear governance structures,
including oversight by the Early Help Partnership Board, are
essential to meet tight Government timelines, deliver
transformation at scale and ensure risks are monitored and
mitigated appropriately.