A NEW early years programme to help children, parents, and carers thrive from pregnancy through to school was being rolled out by Somerset Council this week, starting in Wellington.

Called ‘Best Start in Life’, the initiative is designed to support families during the first five years of a child’s life through a collaborative, community-focused approach.

It is a Government programme with an ambition to see 78.3 per cent of the county’s five-year-olds obtaining a good level of development by 2028.

A Somerset plan has been developed to kick-off the programme, setting out the vision and aims, and outlining how it will work in the county.

Key to its success will be accessible, co-ordinated support and services through a local family hubs approach in both rural and urban communities, building on support already on offer across Somerset.

The first of six planned ‘Best Start in Life’ family hubs has already been established in Wellington in collaboration with the town council.

Sited in the town’s Kings Arms community hub, it provides a mix of services and will form part of a campus model which includes local schools, the library, a health visiting team, NHS services, and leisure amenities.

Somerset Council’s Rachael Parker said: “Our aim is to ensure parents and carers throughout Somerset can easily access excellent support, information, and resources designed to meet their individual needs

“By working closely with local services, communities, and our schools, we can make Somerset a place where children start school prepared, develop lifelong learning skills, and fulfil their potential in an inclusive, safe, and thriving environment.”

Somerset executive Cllr Heather Shearer said: “Becoming a parent or carer brings joy, pride, and purpose.

“However, we know at times it can feel overwhelming.

“All parents and carers need support, advice, or information at different points, this is a normal part of raising children.”