ABS National Evaluation Annual Report

Introduction

This report shares early learning from the national evaluation of A Better Start (ABS). It explains how the programme is supporting families with babies and young children, and what progress has been made so far.

The report is for funders, policymakers, early years professionals and ABS partnerships.

Findings

The report found early signs that ABS is helping improve children’s:

• diet and nutrition

• social and emotional development

• early language and communication skills

Families reported positive experiences of services and valued accessible, joined‑up support. The evaluation also found that strong partnerships, shared goals and place‑based working were helping services work better together.

Local systems were beginning to shift towards earlier intervention and prevention.

ABS sites identified factors that helped them to progress, such as workforce development, co‑production with parents and high‑quality programme leadership.