Overview

• The Department for Education has allocated £500 million to expand Best Start family hubs to every local authority in England by April 2026, with up to 1,000 hubs expected by 2028.
• Family hubs will integrate parenting support, birth registration, debt advice, midwifery services and tailored help for separating parents under one roof.
• Early years teachers in the 20 most disadvantaged communities will receive a tax-free £4,500 payment aimed at retaining 3,000 additional staff in nurseries.
• From April 2026, Ofsted will inspect all new early years providers within 18 months of opening and conduct follow-up reviews at least once every four years.
• A new digital Best Start service will connect families to their local hubs and the NHS app, with plans to explore artificial intelligence assistance.