Best Start in Life plan revealed
Plans to help give every child in Telford and Wrekin the best possible start in life were approved at Cabinet today (16 July 2026).
Telford & Wrekin Council's new Best Start in Life plan sets out priorities for the next three years to improve outcomes for babies, children and families, supporting the Council's wider ambition to be a child friendly Borough.
The plan responds to national policy and builds on existing commitments within the Council's Children and Young People's Strategy. Its main aim is to increase the number of children starting school with a good level of development, helping them to thrive both in education and later life.
Many of the actions identified in the plan are already being delivered. These include expanded Health Visitor services, improved developmental checks, and a fully operational network of Best Start Family Hubs, offering support to families across the Borough.
Targeted early intervention is also being strengthened through the introduction of new Best Start Inclusion Practitioners, who will provide practical support for children with emerging developmental needs and special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), helping families access the right support at the right time.
Councillor Shirley Reynolds, Cabinet Member for Children and Young People, Education, Employment and Skills, said:
"It is a government requirement for all local authorities to publish a Best Start in Life Plan, setting out how we will support the development of the borough's youngest residents – our next generation.
"Produced in partnership across a range of Council services, local NHS organisations and community partners, the plan reflects our shared commitment to helping every child in Telford & Wrekin to get the best possible start in life.
"We want all children and young people to achieve their full potential, and this plan will help us target support where it is needed most, address gaps in services and build on approaches that are already making a difference.
"Supporting children to start well, stay well, keep safe, and enjoy and achieve is central to our Children and Young People's Strategy and Health and Wellbeing Strategy.
"Alongside this, initiatives such as our 5 by 5 campaign give parents and carers simple, practical ideas to support their child's development, helping ensure every child has the strongest possible foundation for the future."
The plan builds on a range of successful initiatives already in place, including text message reminders for health visitor developmental checks, expanded baby drop-in clinics and speech and language support programmes.
There has also been increased support available through Family Hubs, including the Stronger Together SEND Parenting Programme, School Readiness Workshops, Read, Talk and Create sessions, and our Family Hub and Healthy Babies offer.
Read the Best Start in Life Plan.