A new early years programme to help children, parents and carers thrive from pregnancy through to school is being rolled out by Somerset Council (1 April 2026).
Called ‘Best Start in Life’, it’s designed to support families during the first five years of a child’s life through a collaborative, community-focused approach.
Best Start in Life is a government programme with an ambition to see 78.3 per cent of five-year-olds in Somerset obtain a good level of development by 2028.
A Best Start in Life Somerset Plan has been launched to kick-off the programme. It sets out the vision and aims, and outlines how it will work here in Somerset.
Key to the Best Start in Life Programme will be accessible, co-ordinated support and services through a local Family Hubs approach. It will build on support already on offer across Somerset and will be present in both rural and urban communities.
The first Best Start in Life Family Hub has already been established in Wellington in collaboration with Wellington Town Council. Sited in the former Kings Arms public house, it provides a mix of services and will form part of a campus model that includes local schools, the library, health visiting team, NHS services, and leisure amenities.
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.
Rachael Parker, Head of Public Health Nursing and Best Start in Life Family Hubs at Somerset Council, said: “Our aim is to ensure parents and carers throughout Somerset can easily access excellent support, information and resources designed to meet their individual needs.”
“By working closely with local services, communities, and our schools, we can make Somerset a place where children start school prepared, develop lifelong learning skills, and fulfil their potential in an inclusive, safe, and thriving environment.”
Lead Member for Children, Families and Education, Cllr Heather Shearer, said: “Becoming a parent or carer brings joy, pride and purpose, however we know at times it can feel overwhelming. All parents and carers need support, advice or information at different points – this is a normal part of raising children.
“Today we have launched our Best Start in Life Somerset Plan which is the blueprint as to how we will make our vision a reality.
“Parents and our partners have helped co-produce the Plan and will play a critical role in the programme’s design and its delivery across Somerset.
“Partnership working across childcare, education, health, and the voluntary community faith sectors will continue to grow and strengthen as the programme rolls out.
“I am very much looking forward to seeing the Plan come to life, transform services and enable better support for families no matter where they live.”
Take a look at the Best Start in Life Somerset Plan.
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.
