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National Support
Best Start in Life
Supporting Families Every Step of the Way
From wobbly first steps to confident first days at school, Best Start in Life is here to support families through every stage of early childhood. Whether you're expecting a baby or navigating childcare and education, you'll find trusted advice, practical tools, and local support to help your child thrive.
What You’ll Find on the Best Start in Life Hub
Explore a wide range of resources tailored to your child’s age and development:
- Health and wellbeing advice for expectant parents
- Support with infant feeding, sleep routines, and bonding
- Baby development tips including tummy time and sensory play
Toddler to Pre-School
- Language and emotional development activities
- Parenting courses and behaviour support
- Ideas for play and learning at home
Starting School
- School readiness checklists and fun ways to build key skills
- Guidance for children with SEND
- Wraparound childcare and breakfast club information
Family Support Services
Best Start Family Hubs: Local one-stop centres offering:
- Stay-and-play sessions
- Parenting advice
- Health services
- SEND support
- Help with housing, finance, and more
Tools and Checkers
- Childcare support eligibility checker
- Information on 15 to 30 hours free childcare
- Access to free breakfast clubs and early education offers
Visit the Parent Hub
NSPCC
If you’re worried about a child, even if you’re unsure, contact NSPCC professional counsellors for help, advice and support.
Childline
Offers free, confidential advice and support for any child 18 years or under, whatever the worry.
Contact: For families with disabled children
Contact support families with the best possible guidance and information. For every shape and size of family, whatever they need and whatever their child’s disability.
Dyspraxia Foundation
The helpline is available to help you with problems and issues you may encounter; offering help and advice to people with dyspraxia, parents, carers, and families about or on the subject of dyspraxia.
Cleft Lip and Palate Association
The helpline is available to help you with problems and issues you may encounter; offering help and advice to people with dyspraxia, parents, carers, and families about or on the subject of dyspraxia.
Change4Life
Change4Life aims to help your family be healthier and happier. Find out more about what’s really in the food your family eats.