Boscombe has been chosen as the first location for a Best Start Family Hub in BCP.
The government’s Best Start in Life strategy, published in July 2025, sets out plans to improve child development from pregnancy to the age of five through stronger family support, improved access to early education and earlier health intervention.
BCP Council has allocated £2.5 million to support the programme between 2026 and 2029. All local authorities must publish a Best Start local plan by 31 March 2026 and establish at least one family hub in areas with the greatest need.
A report to cabinet on 4 March confirmed Boscombe as the first site, with a second hub expected to be identified in the west of the BCP area by April.
Councillor Richard Burton, Cabinet Member for Children, Young People, Education and Skills, said there are “approximately 20,500 children between the ages of 0 and 5 in our community”.
BCP has set a target for 79.9 per cent of children to achieve a good level of development by the end of reception, above the national average.
All six existing family hubs across the area are expected to adopt Best Start principles as services expand in phases alongside available funding. Cabinet approved the plan unanimously.
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