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ABS National Evaluation Third Annual Report

ABS National Evaluation Third Annual Report (PDF, 2.2MB)

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Introduction

This research evaluates the third year of the A Better Start (ABS) programme. The programme funds local partnerships to improve support for young children and their families. It aims to improve early help and reduce inequalities. The report is for funders, local partners, and policymakers.

Findings

The research found that local partnerships strengthened how services work together to support families with young children. Many areas moved from planning to delivering services more fully.

It also found that:

  • partnerships improved joint working across health and voluntary organisations

  • local organisations worked more closely with health partners

  • community engagement influenced how services were designed

  • data use improved planning and decision making

  • progress differed between areas due to local context

Overall, partnerships showed clearer leadership and stronger ways of working.