What parents and carers told us
We want:
- Holistic support: practical advice, emotional reassurance, and opportunities for children to thrive.
- Visibility and accessibility: parents often don't know what's available or struggle to access it.
- Community and connection: parents value peer networks and friendly staff, but some feel isolated.
- Inclusivity and variety: requests for more tailored sessions, support for dads, and recognition of diverse needs.
Direct quotes from Parent Carer Panel representatives (2025):
- "Children's Centres feel like a home from home – welcoming and friendly."
- "Staff are amazing – they make you feel comfortable and supported."
- "Family Hubs give me reassurance and advice when I need it most."
- “It's a safe space where I can meet other parents and share experiences."
- "The groups have helped my child's development and my confidence as a parent."
- "I love that everything is in one place – health, play, and support."
Feedback was gathered through parent carer panels in October and November 2025. These panels bring together parents and carers of babies and young children who use family hubs, providing valuable insights into needs and gaps in provision.
“Parents play a central role in shaping how Best Start Family Hubs are delivered, with increased outreach planned to ensure no one misses out.”
Get Involved
Express interest in joining a parent carer panel by contacting your local family hub. We also work in partnership with Lincolnshire Parent Carer Panels with parents and carers of children and young people (0–25 years) with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND).
What professionals told us
We've been listening to the people who support families everyday, from health professionals, early years settings, community groups, and local services. We asked them what matters most for families like yours and how we can make things better together.
They said:
- Families need holistic support, and barriers (practical, cultural, and emotional) should be removed.
- Early education and childcare must be accessible and sustainable
- Quality childcare depends on a strong, respected workforce
- System integration and clarity enable impact.