Foreword to the plan

The Best Start in Life Plan brings together everyone who supports children and families in Hampshire. This includes midwives, health visitors, early years providers, childcare settings, schools, libraries, community organisations, social care and specialist services.

Our aim is simple: to remove barriers, strengthen services and improve outcomes for expectant parents, babies, children and carers. Working together allows us to offer consistent, compassionate and high‑quality support across our communities. The early years are a critical period for brain development, over a million neural connections form every second. The support children receive now shapes their future learning, health and wellbeing. This plan sets out how we will invest in these formative years to make a lasting difference for Hampshire families.

Steph How
Director of Children’s Services

Simon Bryant
Director of Public Health