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Celebrating 10 Years of A Better Start: Report from the Annual Shared Learning Event

Celebrating 10 Years of A Better Start: Report from the Annual Shared Learning Event (PDF, 5.2MB)

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Introduction

This report looks back at 10 years of the A Better Start (ABS) programme. The programme funded work in local areas to give babies and young children the best start in life. It focused on families living in disadvantaged communities. The report is for funders, policymakers and organisations working with young children and families.

Findings

The research found that long-term funding gave local areas time to build trust and work together. It also found that improving support for babies and young children takes time and strong local partnerships.

The research found that:

  • long-term funding gave areas stability and time to test new ideas

  • local partnerships developed support based on local needs

  • parents and carers helped shape services

  • trust between families and services improved over time

  • clear shared goals helped partners work more effectively

In some areas, the programme changed how local services support families with young children.