GOV.UK Launches New ‘Best Start in Life’ Campaign for Parents and Carers
The new Best Start in Life website is replacing the existing NHS Start for Life and UK Government Childcare Choices websites, in order to streamline information gathering and signposting. Parents and carers will now be able to access all the same information and support in one place. In doing so, the initiative hopes to break down barriers to opportunity and drive up the numbers of children reaching a good level of development.
The new website boasts a colourful and accessible user experience which is interactive and inviting, featuring a host of practical support which some parents and carers may feel too vulnerable to ask others, if they don’t feel that they have an adequate support circle. Topics are split into six main themes: (1) Pregnancy, (2) Baby, (3) Toddler, (4) Childcare and Early Years Education, (5) School Readiness, and (6) Childcare Eligibility Checker.
Previously, pregnancy and childcare support services were disconnected and disparate. Parents and carers have been sharing that they don’t always know what they are entitled to, or what services are available locally. By using a common language and brand, the new Best Start In Life campaign hopes to demonstrate GOV.UK’s cross-sector collaboration and commitment to giving children the best start in life.
The new website also features locally-oriented functions, such as the ability to ‘Search for family support in your local area’ and ‘Find your local council’ by entering your postcode. This allows parents across the country to focus on locally available advice and services closer to home, including in Barking and Dagenham.
The website launch of Best Start In Life is part of the new Labour government’s Plan for Change promise to give children the best possible start with 75% of five-year-olds reaching a good level of development by 2028. Prime Minister Keir Starmer has written to parents and carers reaffirming his Plan for Change promise in collaboration with Best Start In Life. The full letter is available here for your interest.
We hope you found this news item informative and engaging. At Healthwatch, we’re always encouraging the residents of Barking and Dagenham to get in contact with us. We’d be happy to hear your feedback and share any thoughts or concerns about the new Best Start In Life initiative.
