Lincolnshire’s Best Start in Life Strategy and Local Plan 2026-31

Mission statement and ambitions

Every child deserves the strongest possible foundation for a healthy, happy and successful life.

The early years from conception to reception are critical in shaping future health, well-being, and development.

  1. Support from the start - families can easily find and access help during pregnancy and beyond, without having to tell their story multiple times.
  2. Enough places for all - there will be enough childcare and early education places across Lincolnshire.
  3. Early access to funded entitlements - children who qualify for funded childcare will be able to start as soon as possible.
  4. Help for children with additional needs - early intervention and high quality support to enable all children to reach developmental goals.
  5. High-Quality Early Education - every child will have access to safe, inclusive, and high-quality early years settings.
  6. Smooth Transitions - children will move confidently from home to nursery, and then into school.

By 2028, we want more children in Lincolnshire to be ready for school.

A Good Level of Development means your child is confident in communication, language, physical skills, social and emotional development, literacy, and maths - giving them the best start for school and beyond.

Targets to be achieved

  • 76.7% of all children reaching a Good Level of Development by age 5.
  • 61.2% of children eligible for Free School Meals reaching a Good Level of Development.

Best Start in Life

National advice and support for your child’s development.

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