{"id":70555,"date":"2026-07-17T09:44:13","date_gmt":"2026-07-17T08:44:13","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.devon.gov.uk\/news\/?p=70555"},"modified":"2026-07-17T09:44:17","modified_gmt":"2026-07-17T08:44:17","slug":"building-strong-foundations-devons-children-free-local-support","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.devon.gov.uk\/news\/building-strong-foundations-devons-children-free-local-support\/","title":{"rendered":"Building strong foundations for Devon\u2019s children with free local support"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Parents and carers of young children in Devon are being encouraged to use free local support to help their child get ready for school. <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

We are backing the national\u00a0Best Start in Life<\/em>\u00a0campaign, with a focus on children who will start school in September 2027.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This includes children currently aged three to four, who are about to begin their final year in nursery or pre-school. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Through Devon\u2019s Family Hubs, families can access a wide range of free advice, support and activities designed to boost early development, communication and confidence.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Services are brought together in one place, making it easier for parents and carers to find the right help at the right time, close to home. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Support is available to all families, and parents do not need a referral  to access it.   <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Whether it\u2019s advice on play and learning, building routines, supporting speech and language, or accessing childcare, the focus is on helping children thrive in their early years and feel ready for school. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Family Hubs also provide inclusive support for children with additional needs and disabilities (SEND), helping ensure every child has the chance to do well when they start school, and that families feel supported, listened to and able to access the help they need. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Family Hubs work closely with schools, health services and local organisations to provide joined-up support for families across Devon. Many sessions take place in local communities, including village halls and other familiar settings, so families can access support close to where they live.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Alongside face-to-face support, parents and carers can also benefit from digital tools such as the new EasyPeasy app launching on Monday 27 July, offering simple, everyday ideas to support children\u2019s learning through play at home. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Parents and carers will have opportunities to help shape services, ensuring support continues to reflect what families need most. <\/p>\n\n\n

\r\n\t
\r\n

Councillor Julian Brazil, Devon County Council\u2019s Leader and Cabinet Member for\u00a0Education said:\u00a0<\/p><\/div>\r\n \t\t

\u201cStarting school is a big step for both children and parents.\u00a0We\u00a0know it can feel exciting but also a little daunting.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe early years are vital in helping children feel confident and ready to learn.<\/p>\n

\u201cOur\u00a0Best\u00a0Start in Life plan aims to make sure every child in Devon has the strongest possible start and feels ready for school.<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd our\u00a0Family Hubs are here to make that journey easier, offering simple, practical support that helps children build confidence and get ready to learn.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe want every family in Devon to know that support is there for them, whatever their situation.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\t<\/blockquote>\r\n

\r\n\t
\r\n\t\t\"Councillor\r\n
\r\n Councillor Julian Brazil, Leader of the Council<\/a><\/figcaption>\r\n <\/figure>\r\n <\/div>\r\n \r\n <\/div>\n\n\n

Parents and carers are encouraged to contact their local Family Hub to find out what support is available and how it can help their child as they prepare for school.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

More information is available on the Devon County Council website: Find out more about Devon Family Hubs<\/a>. <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"","protected":false},"author":34,"featured_media":70557,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":"","_links_to":"","_links_to_target":""},"categories":[7,2144],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-70555","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-children-families-and-education","category-public-health"],"acf":[],"featured_image":{"ID":70557,"title":"Resizing pics for News Centre (71)","alt":"Three young children lay on their backs on the grass smiling at the camera and holding their thumbs 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