Emerging Evaluation Findings From the ABS National Evaluation

Introduction

This report presents early learnings from the A Better Start (ABS) national evaluation. It examines how local partnerships support early childhood outcomes through targeted and universal interventions.

It was produced to share emerging insights from the first wave of fieldwork. It’s intended for ABS partnerships, funders, and practitioners working in early-years systems.

Findings

The research found that ABS partnerships focused on:

• improving children’s diet and nutrition

• social and emotional development

• language and communication

It identified shared aims, such as:

• promoting healthy prenatal behaviour

• increasing breastfeeding

• reducing harmful messaging

• supporting parental capacity

It also found differences in how partnerships approach issues like:

• obesity

• oral health

• emotional wellbeing

• communication skills

Early insights highlighted what appears to work well, challenges in delivery, and how teams adapt services in response to local needs. This offered emerging evidence on ABS practice at this stage.