Every child deserves the best possible start in life. The earliest years – from conception to age five – form the foundation for lifelong physical health, emotional wellbeing, learning, and achievement. These formative experiences do more than shape how children grow; they influence how children thrive throughout their lives.
Our Best Start in Life strategy sets out a shared ambition to ensure that all babies, young children, and families receive the support they need so they are ready to thrive. Aligned with the Government’s Best Start in Life agenda and statutory Good Level of Development (GLD) targets, the strategy recognises that early outcomes are strengthened when health, education, childcare, family support, and community services work together.
We will deliver this ambition together through our Best Start in Life offer and Best Start family hubs. These hubs will provide a single, welcoming point of access where services come together to support families from pregnancy through early childhood – ensuring families receive the right support at the right time.
Read the Portsmouth Best Start in Life strategy.