Onsite Nursery Launches at Best Start Family Hub
How a Best Start Family Hub integrates early-years education alongside other wider family support.
Best Start Family Hub in Camden, LondonOverview
Camden delivers a highly integrated Family Hub model through its children's centres, where early-years education and nursery provision sit alongside health, parenting and wider family support. Several of Camden's hubs, such as the 1a Children's Centre and Family Hub, offer nursery places on the same site as multi-agency services.
Services provided
The hub offers:
- onsite nursery and early-education places for children under 5
- health visiting, midwifery and early developmental support
- stay-and-play sessions, parenting courses, baby groups and special educational needs and disabilities (SEND)-inclusive activities
- advice services including benefits, employment and wellbeing support
- youth and holiday provision for older siblings
- strategic partnerships with a wide network of local schools through initiatives, such as the Camden Kids Talk project
- work with schools to target and reduce pupil absence, supporting improved engagement and attendance outcomes for children and families
Why this matters
Co-locating nursery provision within the Family Hub creates a seamless 'one-front-door' experience for families. Parents dropping off at the nursery can easily access health appointments, parenting support or financial advice in the same building. Practitioners are able to spot emerging needs early - especially developmental or SEND needs - and families are linked immediately to support without multiple referrals or long waits.
Impact
Parents report feeling more confident and connected because they can build relationships with staff in one place rather than navigating separate systems. The integrated model helps Camden reach families less likely to engage with support while improving early identification and reducing the risk of families falling through gaps.
https://www.gov.uk/government/case-studies/early-years-provision-onsite-nursery-on-a-best-start-family-hub-site
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