This document provides tools and materials to help practitioners strengthen early years development and support children’s progress toward GLD and school readiness. It offers quick access to high‑quality resources that enhance work with families across Family Hubs.
Early Years Resources
The Department for Education does not endorse any specific products or services. The following links are provided for information only.
All slides to accompany videos are available on the Knowledge Hub Home - LGA National Centre for Family Hubs - Knowledge Hub
Westminster Council’s Curriculum for Stay and Plays: A Key Tool for Improving Outcomes
We are introduced to how Westminster Council have developed a comprehensive, research‑informed Stay and Play curriculum designed to improve early outcomes for children across the borough. The interview explains the purpose and structure of the curriculum, showing how it provides rich sensory experiences, communication‑building opportunities, and supportive parent–child interactions that strengthen early development. This interview features, Ben Commins, Executive Headteacher of Connected Futures and Lyndsy Killip, Executive Deputy of Connected Futures. Together, they outline why the curriculum was created, how it aligns with national priorities such as Best Start for Life and Families First for Children, and how it supports families to build confidence, connection, and learning both in sessions and at home.
Childminder led language enrichment in the Early Years (12/03/26)
This webinar explores the potential of childminder-led language enrichment to support children’s communication and learning in the early years. Slides available on the Knowledge Hub
Fantastic 2s – Engaging Eligible Families in Early Education (02/12/25)
Fantastic 2s is a programme for children and their parents/carers, who are eligible for the 2-year Early Educational funding but, for whatever reason, haven’t taken up a nursery place. Slides available on the Knowledge Hub
Potty training: a public health approach with Blackburn with Darwen (21/10/25)
Blackburn with Darwen Public Health team have worked on a multi agency council wide plan to reduce the number of children starting school in nappies. Slides available on the Knowledge Hub
Unlocking early potential: How family hubs support school readiness (07/10/25)
This session explores the role that Family Hubs have, and could play in supporting children to reach a good level of development. Slides available on the Knowledge Hub
Department for Education – View Your Education Data: https://viewyourdata.education.gov.uk/ – Official DfE platform for accessing and understanding education-related data for settings and professionals.
CBeebies – Tiny Happy People: https://www.bbc.co.uk/tiny-happy-people – BBC resource supporting early language development through videos, activities and guidance for families.
Kindred2: https://kindredsquared.org.uk/ – Campaigns and information on improving early childhood development. Guides for Starting Reception, Potty Training and Oral Health.
50 Things To Do Before You’re 5: https://50thingstodo.org/professionals – A collection of low-cost, accessible activities designed to promote early learning.
EasyPeasy: https://easypeasyapp.com/ – App-based activities and guidance that help parents support early learning.
Boromi: https://boromi.co.uk/ – Play-based resource providing simple, engaging ideas families can use at home.
Speech and Language UK – Signs and Symptoms: https://speechandlanguage.org.uk/educators-and-professionals/signs-and-symptoms/ – Guidance for recognising speech, language and communication needs.
National Literacy Trust – Home Learning Environment: https://literacytrust.org.uk/resources/embedding-the-home-learning-environment-evidence-practice-and-partnerships/ – Evidence and resources to improve childhood literacy.
Stronger Practice Hubs: https://www.strongerpracticehubs.org.uk/ – DfE-funded hubs sharing evidence-informed early years practice.
Ofsted – Bold Beginnings: https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/5a82d03040f0b6230269cd73/28933_Ofsted_-_Early_Years_Curriculum_Report_-_Accessible.pdf – Ofsted report on effective Reception curriculum practice.
WellComm – GL Assessment: https://www.gl-assessment.co.uk/products/wellcomm/ – Toolkit for identifying early speech and language needs.
Tales Toolkit: https://www.talestoolkit.com/ – Storytelling resource helping children develop language and creativity.
Coram – Mental Wellbeing Toolkit: https://www.coramlifeeducation.org.uk/coram-mental-wellbeing-toolkit – Resources supporting children’s emotional wellbeing.
Education Endowment Foundation (EEF): https://educationendowmentfoundation.org.uk/ – Evidence-based guidance to improve teaching and learning.
Nesta:
Early Years Toolkit | Nesta - A step-by-step guide to running behavioural insights projects in the early years
Local Government Association:
Supporting inclusive early education: A good practice guide | Local Government Association - A good practice guide for early years inclusion.
ISOS Partnership: Rising needs in the early years: Research into supporting children in the early years | Local Government Association - Research into what is happening, implications, and potential solutions for a more inclusive and holistic approach to supporting children in the early years
Book Trust: Supporting Parents, Carers and Families | BookTrust – Resources for families and professionals around book sharing.
Gov.UK: Check what help you could get with childcare costs - GOV.UK - Resources and eligibility checker for childcare costs