Knowsley Council and its partners have published a Best Start Local Plan, setting out a shared commitment to ensuring every child in Knowsley has the best possible start in life.
The plan outlines how Best Start Family Hubs will act as welcoming, local access points for families, bringing together health, early years, education and family support services in one place. This integrated approach will make it easier for families to access the information and support they need to help children and families thrive.
The overall aim is to make services simpler to navigate and better connected, ensuring families receive the right support, at the right time.
At the heart of the plan is an ambitious shared goal: to increase the number of Knowsley children achieving a Good Level of Development (GLD) by age five, in line with the national ambition of 75% by 2028, while also closing the gap for children growing up in the borough’s most disadvantaged communities.
GLD is assessed at the end of a child’s Reception year and shows whether they have reached expected levels across key areas of learning, including communication and language, physical development, personal, social and emotional development, literacy and maths.
The plan builds on progress already made through Knowsley’s Family Hub programme, including established hubs in Kirkby, Halewood and Huyton. It also aligns with national Best Start Family Hubs and Healthy Babies guidance, reflecting both national priorities and Knowsley’s local needs.
As a shared partnership commitment, the Best Start Local Plan will continue to evolve alongside a Best Start in Life Partnership Strategy, due for publication in the autumn. Together, these plans will ensure services remain joined‑up, responsive and shaped by the voices and lived experiences of Knowsley families.
You can read Knowsley Best Start Local Plan on the council’s website.