Somerset Council has launched a new early years programme to support children and families from pregnancy until the age of five.
The Best Start in Life programme brings local services together so families can get the right help earlier and closer to home. Support will be offered through Family Hubs across Somerset, building on services that many families already use.
A key part of the programme is spotting additional needs early and helping families access support sooner, including support for children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).
Best Start in Life will prioritise parenting support, early identification of additional needs, improved access to SEND support, and better coordination across services for families.
The first Best Start in Life Family Hub has opened in Wellington, working closely with local schools, health visitors, NHS services, libraries and leisure services. More Family Hubs will follow across the county, in both rural and urban areas.
The Best Start in Life Programme aligns with Somerset’s Children and Young People’s Plan 2024–2030 the also the Connect Somerset Blueprint 2024-2030, a local system for reducing pressure on families.
Families can find clear information about SEND support for babies and young children, including early years services and help to get ready for school, on the Somerset Local Offer: Early years 0 to 5.
Find out more about EHC plans and phase transfers on the Somerset SEND Local Offer: Education, Health and Care plans.
