RCSLT welcomes new Government strategy to give every child the best start in life

The strategy sets out a positive vision for early years support and is part of the Government’s wider ambition to break down barriers to opportunity and increase the proportion of children who are ready for school by 2028. It is intended to align with the move to a Neighbourhood  Health Service set out in the Government’s 10 Year Health Plan. It recognises communication skills as foundational to a child’s development and highlights the importance of “rich, responsive interactions and nurturing support”. 

Key measures include the rollout of Best Start Family Hubs in every local authority in England, bringing together health and education professionals to support families in one place. The strategy also provides funding for outreach work, ensuring that Family Hubs can connect with families who may not otherwise access support. 

Other important commitments include: 

• Setting statutory targets for local areas to improve child development, with local authorities developing Best Start local plans
• Dedicated funding to support children from low-income families and those with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND)
• Embedding inclusive approaches in training and leadership across the early years workforce
• Raising the status of early years educators, with clearer career progression pathways
• Reducing variation in the quality of health visiting services and development reviews
• Strengthening early language support, including investment in evidence-based programmes such as the Nuffield Early Language Intervention (NELI)
• Introducing early language leads to support early years educators and Reception staff
• Appointing a Best Start in Life Champion to bring early years expertise into the heart of government. 

In order to be successful, the implementation of the strategy must utilise the unique contribution that speech and language therapists can make. In areas where therapists are embedded in settings such as Best Start Family Hubs, we see a significant impact for children and families – including quicker access to advice and information, early identification of needs, and timely support. It is vital that this good practice is spread so families in every area can benefit. Achieving this will require parallel action to transform speech and language therapy services and expand the speech and language therapy workforce. 

RCSLT looks forward to working with Government to support the delivery of this important strategy and help ensure that every child truly has the best start in life.