Anna Freud appointed as centre of excellence for family hubs

Speaking at an event organised by the Centre for Social Justice, Mr Williamson said that he was ‘pleased’ to announce that the Anna Freud Centre for children and families will run the new national centre for family hubs to ‘spread best practice and evidence’ on integrated family service models. The service is expected to be up-and-running ‘shortly’.

In March, Andrea Leadsom launched the long-awaited Early Years Healthy Development Review, which sets out a vision for improving babies’ healthy development and reducing inequalities in the first 1,001 days of life.

Ms Leadsom’s recommendations, which were put before Government on 26 March, include a new ‘Start for Life’ package for prospective parents setting out a universal offer of health visiting, midwifery, breastfeeding and mental health support. Parents will be able to access these services from family hubs, similar to Labour’s Sure Start centres, which will also offer childcare, early education and healthcare, as well as advice on jobs and training.

Speaking about what the Department for Education and other departments are doing to help support parents and give them the best start in life, Mr Williamson said that he was also ‘pushing ahead’ with plans to support the growth of family hubs in England, with the £14m already invested.