Giving all children the best start in life
This Government is securing Britain’s future through the Plan for Change. Giving all children the best start in life, no matter their background, is our commitment to breaking down barriers to opportunity and getting 75% of children ready for school by 2028. In summer 2025, the government published its Best Start in Life strategy, setting out its ambition for the future.
Giving every child the best start in life
Children’s earliest years are crucial to their development and their life chances. Currently only 67.2% of children in England reach a good level of development by age five, falling to just 51.6% of disadvantaged children. Tackling these gaps early, and ensuring more children are ready to start school, is the foundation for future success.
Our strategy
The Best Start in Life strategy aims to:
- Improve support for families from pregnancy through age five, so parents and children get the help they need early on.
- Make childcare and early education easier to find and more affordable for families.
- Make sure children get high-quality care and learning in nurseries, with childminders, and in reception classes
Support for families
A brand new parent support hub will be coming in the autumn of 2025. Existing support services are available to help parents and families, with advice and guidance on pregnancy, parenthood, childcare and early education.
Childcare support
Formal early education gives children a great start, whilst giving you the flexibility you need.
Visit Childcare Choices to find out more about the support available to help more parents access high quality early education and childcare.
School aged children
There are now even more wraparound places and free breakfast clubs available for primary school children.
Visit Childcare Choices to find out more.
Pregnancy, babies and young children
You can find advice and guidance to support you and your child during pregnancy, birth and early parenthood through Start for Life.
Getting children ready for school
Visit the Starting Reception website to find out how to support children’s journey to starting school.
