Best Start in Life Plan 2026 to 2031

Our vision for children and young people living in the Borough is that they are given the best possible start in life, in an inclusive community where everyone can thrive as set out in the Stockton-on-Tees Plan 2024.

We will work hard to prevent children and families from experiencing the impact of poverty, creating a bright and healthy future with a shared sense of belonging. We will ensure that all children, young people and families are supported to achieve their full potential through our early years, health and wellbeing, childcare and education system. We know that when communities work together to support children's health, wellbeing and development, they're doing much more than helping in the early years. They're giving children a strong start in life and building the solid foundations that lead to happier, healthier families and a brighter future for everyone.

The work we're doing now is all about giving children the best life chances from the very beginning. By helping them grow, learn and play well in their early years, we can reduce barriers and help them feel confident, supported and ready for the world as they get older. A 'best start' means children are more likely to do well in school, enjoy better health throughout their lives and have more opportunities when they become adults.

Our Best Start Plan also supports the national policy direction with the Government, who have made early years development and school readiness a national priority through their 'Giving every child the best start in life' policy. 

By the end of the 2027 to 2028 academic year:

• we want to see more children in Stockton-on-Tees starting school ready to learn, with the skills and confidence they need to make the most of their early education - to help achieve this, we have been set an ambitious goal by the Department for Education for at least 78.5% of children to reach a Good Level of Development (GLD) by the end of Reception by 2028
• our aim is that at least 63.1% of children eligible for Free School Meals (FSM) achieve a GLD by the end of Reception by 2028 - this reflects our belief that no child should be left behind and that every child deserves the same strong start and the same opportunities to do well, both now and in the future