Issue - decisions

RESOLVED that Cabinet noted: -

(a)          the continued development and publication of BCP Council’s Best Start in Life Local Plan to meet the statutory requirement for all local authorities to publish a plan by 31 March 2026;

(b)          the use of the Best Start Family Hub delivery grant and associated external funding streams to build workforce capacity, strengthen evidence-based interventions and enable consistent delivery of the expanded Best Start offer;

(c)          the establishment and phased implementation of Best Start Family Hubs, beginning with Boscombe as the first site and a second site in the west locality; and

(d)          the continued partnership governance arrangements, including oversight by the Early Help Partnership Board, to ensure coordinated delivery across Children’s Services, Health, Early Years, Public Health and wider partners.

Voting: Unanimous

Portfolio Holder: Children, Young People, Education and Skills

Reason

1.    To meet statutory duties and national policy requirements. All local authorities must publish a Best Start in Life Local Plan by 31 March 2026, setting out their approach to improving outcomes from pregnancy to age five. The plan also supports multiple statutory responsibilities, including duties under the Childcare Act 2006, Children and Families Act 2014, and safeguarding frameworks.

2. To deliver improved child development outcomes and meet Government-set GLD targets. The Government has set ambitious targets for GLD achievement, and BCP Council must demonstrate a whole-system approach to reaching them. The Local Plan sets out how Health, Early Years, Education and Family Support Services will contribute collectively.
3. To maximise use of available funding and ensure financial sustainability. The Best Start Family Hub delivery grant and aligned funding streams (e.g., Public Health, Children’s Services early intervention grant) provide a time-limited opportunity to build capacity, develop workforce skills, and embed a sustainable delivery model.
4. To ensure effective oversight, risk management and timely delivery. Clear governance structures, including oversight by the Early Help Partnership Board, are essential to meet tight Government timelines, deliver transformation at scale and ensure risks are monitored and mitigated appropriately.