Early Years News Roundup | 🏡 Best Start Hubs - Opportunity To Scale Babyzone’s Proven Approach Nationwide

Spotlight 🌟

Best Start in Life Strategy: A Milestone For Families And Early Years

The government recently announced a bold investment in early years, expanding the Best Start Family Hubs to reach an additional 500,000 children and families. This is a major step towards creating early-years services that are more joined-up, accessible, and family-focused.

At Babyzone, we’ve been building this future since 2019, welcoming over 70,000 family attendances across the UK. Our codified approach brings together:

• Premium early-years facilities

• Expert-led programming

• Fully wraparound family support

…all under one roof, with replication and scalability designed in from day one.

We’re already proud partners within Family Hubs at every Babyzone site, working closely with local authorities to create spaces where families feel safe, supported, and understood – from pregnancy through to early childhood.

This announcement opens up a real opportunity to scale our proven approach nationwide. We’re ready to work alongside government and local leaders to share insights, tackle challenges, and reach even more families – together.

Behind the Headlines 📰

Government to Roll Out Best Start Family Hubs Nationwide to Improve Early Years Outcomes

The Department for Education will invest over £500 million in Best Start Family Hubs across all local authorities in England by April 2026. This forms part of a broader £1.5 billion package over three years to improve family services and early years education. These hubs will provide a comprehensive suite of services - including parenting support, early learning sessions, health visitor outreach, mental health resources, and SEND coordination - to boost child development. The aim is to ensure 75% of children are school-ready by 2028, helping to break the link between poverty and life chances. The initiative is part of a broader strategy to rebuild family services, enhance quality childcare access, and expand early years education provision.

Centrepoint Charity To Gain Outdoor Classroom For Therapeutic Support

Centrepoint, a children's charity in Jersey, will receive an outdoor classroom funded by GR8, aimed at addressing growing demand for mental health support among early-years children. This facility will offer therapeutic art and outreach sessions, providing an innovative environment for children with emotional and behavioural challenges. The project addresses the rising need for inclusive support, particularly post-pandemic, and is expected to be completed by September.

Applications Open for 2026 GSK IMPACT Awards and Community Health Programme

The 2026 GSK IMPACT Awards and GSK Community Health Programme provide significant funding and training support for UK charities improving health and wellbeing. With awards ranging from £4,000 to £50,000 for charities with annual incomes up to £3 million, and up to £10,000 for smaller charities combatting health inequalities, these initiatives focus on inclusivity and the strength found in diversity, inviting applications by 20 August 2025.

Research & Insights 🔬

Characteristics of Deprived but Non-Poor Children in Ireland Explored

The ESRI report highlights the plight of children in Ireland who suffer deprivation yet are excluded from income-based poverty measures, stressing the need for policies to support these vulnerable groups. Families with lone parents or disabilities are notably impacted, showing that poverty extends beyond income. The study calls for targeted action to address these gaps and meet child poverty reduction targets.

Exploring Joint Attention By Learning and Connecting Through Shared Focus

Joint attention, the act of sharing focus on an object or task, enhances collaboration, memory, and task efficiency, as demonstrated by research involving gaze-following and social cues. These findings underscore joint attention's relevance for child development and collaborative work, emphasising its significance in both in-person and virtual settings. Understanding these interactions provides valuable insights into improving educational and interpersonal outcomes.

Global Perspectives 🌎

Norwegian Educators Embrace Natural Environments for Early Science Education in Toddlers

The study reveals that incorporating science education in natural environments significantly enhances socio-emotional development in toddlers, encouraging exploration and curiosity. Norwegian educators' positive attitudes towards this approach suggest a need for further professional development and policy support, ensuring young children benefit from such enriching experiences. By adopting Early Science Education for Toddlers (ESET), practices align with international efforts, particularly in promoting outdoor learning opportunities essential for child development.

Celebrating Educators and Positive Relationships in Early Childhood Learning in Australia

Early childhood educators in Australia play a critical role in fostering children's emotional, social, and cognitive development, providing life-shaping care amidst scrutiny and demands for reform. Recognising and supporting their dedication ensures quality early learning and secure environments for both children and educators. This calls for comprehensive investment in their wellbeing, professional growth, and workplace culture.

Training for National Specialists in Early Childhood Development in Turkmenistan

A two-day training by Turkmenistan’s Ministry of Health and UNICEF aimed at enhancing early childhood development skills for healthcare specialists focused on effective communication with families and child nutrition. Participants were introduced to a guide that helps track child development from birth to five years, promoting informed parental engagement. This initiative underscores the significance of early lifelong benefits through skilled support.