ABS National Evaluation Second Annual Report

Introduction

This evaluation report reviews progress in the A Better Start programme (ABS). It examines how local areas improved support during pregnancy and early childhood. The programme aims to reduce inequalities and improve health and development for young children. It’s intended to inform:

• funders

• policymakers

• local leaders

Findings

The report found that local areas strengthened early support for families. They improved coordination between services and focused on prevention. Work targeted gaps in access and aimed to reduce inequalities in early childhood.

The report found that:

• early support improved engagement with families

• better coordination reduced duplication between services

• local leadership supported system change

• families had more opportunities to shape services

• reducing inequalities remained a core focus

These findings show continued progress in improving early years systems.