£126 million government funding boost for families to access early years support
by Jess Gibson
Families are set to receive a £126 million funding boost aimed at increasing early years support, the government has announced.
The funding boost forms part of the government’s and will enable families across England to access pregnancy support, infant feeding advice, and parenting classes, among other support.
The funding announcement arrives on the heels of the £69 million allocated for the 400-strong network of in England in the Budget.
The government has stated that £57 million of the £126 million funding will go to 75 local authorities with high levels of deprivation in 2025-26, providing a raft of support via the NHS’ services.
This £57 million will consist of:
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£36.5 million to improve mental health support for families and promote positive early relationships between babies and caregivers.
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£18.5 million to improve infant feeding services and provide support with breastfeeding.
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£2 million to ensure families can access and understand their local Start for Life services, and support parents and carers to bring their valuable insight into service design.
The family hubs and Start for Life programme are jointly run by the Department for Education (DfE) and the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) and aim to improve support from pregnancy onwards, “breaking down barriers to opportunity” and setting “every child up for the best start in life”.
Commenting, minister for children and families Janet Daby said: “Investment in these crucial services will break down barriers to opportunity, support families and get a record proportion of children ready for school.
“Through our Plan for Change, we’ll ensure tens of thousands more children are hitting key early learning goals on personal, social and physical development as well as communication, literacy and maths. That’s because children growing up in our country deserve the best start in life – nothing less.”