Try GOLD - Free
Labour planning to fund 400 more one-stop family hubs
The Observer
|July 06, 2025
Parents will be given access to hundreds more children’s centres as part of what the government is describing as “Sure Start for a new generation”.
Bridget Phillipson, the education secretary, will this week announce plans to fund an additional 400 Best Start family hubs, taking the total number to 1,000 by 2028.
The initiative, which is based on the Sure Start early years programme introduced by Tony Blair’s government, is backed by £500m funding and will initially be targeted at the most deprived areas.
Drop-in centres offering playgroups, parenting classes and health advice for preschool children, will go alongside a new national digital family hub linked to the NHS app.
This story is from the July 06, 2025 edition of The Observer.
Subscribe to Magzter GOLD to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 10,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
MORE STORIES FROM The Observer
The Observer
Mum knows best... until it comes to weight-loss injections
It was the term that made it all click: almond mom.
3 mins
November 02, 2025
The Observer
Government accused of 'downplaying' data leak risk to Afghans who aided UK forces
A new report offers a stark contrast to the official review about the deadly effects of the information breach
4 mins
November 02, 2025
The Observer
After the hurricane: will the human cost finally push Cop30 into action on climate crisis?
As politicians head to Brazil, Melissa offers a stark reminder of the consequences of failure to act. Climate editor
7 mins
November 02, 2025
The Observer
Why debt strategy is taking centre stage in Reeves's 'aggressive' plans
The bond markets, buyers and no less importantly - sellers of government bonds, hang like spectres over this year's budget.
4 mins
November 02, 2025
The Observer
Open, ended: Allen lifts lid on the sexual chaos of non-monogamy
Singer's skewering of her actor husband has us hooked and asking: what the hell is happening in modern marriage and dating?
5 mins
November 02, 2025
The Observer
We're working to root out medical misogyny and ensure mothers' voices are heard
Medical misogyny has cast a long shadow over maternity care in this country. The conversations I've had with harmed and bereaved families have been profoundly shocking.
1 mins
November 02, 2025
The Observer
Rio favelas mourn as deadliest police raid exposes deep divisions
Last week's operation, which left at least 121 people dead, has led to calls for the governor to go, but also demands for a tougher approach from President Lula
4 mins
November 02, 2025
The Observer
The gloves are off: Mary Earps hits out at England coach and fellow goalie
In a revealing new memoir, the Lionesses' former keeper criticises Sabrina Wiegman and exposes resentments in the squad, writes Jessy Parker Humphries
3 mins
November 02, 2025
The Observer
Clinical negligence costs NHS almost the same as it spends on maternity care
Defensiveness and a hierarchical environment lead to cover-ups, says ombudsman
5 mins
November 02, 2025
The Observer
Save us from ‘Shrekking’ - we have plenty of dating horrors already
In an ideal world, the young find their own way - but sometimes you have to intervene.
2 mins
November 02, 2025
Listen
Translate
Change font size