Government to continue funding the Start for Life programme
The recent government announcements have brought encouraging news for families and children across the UK, and at DorPIP, we’re celebrating these positive steps forward for infant mental health and early years support.
In October, the Autumn Budget allocated £69 million to fund Family Hubs, ensuring these vital community spaces continue to offer accessible services to families. However, Start for Life services were notably absent from the announcement.
We’re delighted to share that this omission has been rectified. Last week, Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer confirmed the government would continue funding the Start for Life programme for at least another year.
Following this, Sir Keir Starmer also announced an extension of Start for Life funding as part of the government’s new Plan for Change.
Key Highlights of the Plan for Change
1️⃣ A target for 75% of 5-year-olds to achieve a good level of development in the Early Years Foundation Stage assessment by 2028.
2️⃣ Recognition that supporting babies means delivering integrated maternity, baby, and family support services through the first 1,001 days.
3️⃣ Acknowledgment of the need to build family security by ensuring safe, loving homes and addressing barriers that prevent families from thriving.
4️⃣ £57 million allocated by the Department of Health and Social Care to enable local authorities to invest in parent-infant relationship services, infant feeding support, and perinatal mental health care.
Why This Matters
At DorPIP, we’ve long advocated for the importance of the first 1,001 days in shaping a child’s future. The inclusion of Start for Life services in the Plan for Change highlights a growing understanding of how crucial these formative years are.
We’re especially pleased to see recognition of parent-infant relationship services in the funding allocations. Strengthening these services is at the core of what we do, ensuring that every child, regardless of background, has the opportunity to flourish.
As the Dorset leaders in the field of infant mental health, DorPIP remains dedicated to supporting families and advocating for sustained investment in early years services. We’ll continue working to ensure these services reach the families who need them most, helping to build brighter futures for babies across Dorset.
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Stay connected with DorPIP for updates on how we’re driving change in infant mental health and early years support. Let’s give every child the start to life they deserve.
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