Best Start in Life Plan 2026 to 2031
Where are we now?
Data correct as of February 2026.
There are 13,062 children aged 0 to five years in the Borough.
Education
The proportion of children in Stockton-on-Tees achieving a Good Level of Development at foundation stage is currently 69.6% (Free School Meals currently 53.8%).
170 children aged 0 to five years have an active Education, Health & Care Plan.
The percentage of children at expected level in Communication & Language and Literacy areas of learning is 70.1%.
Childcare
There are:
- 1,005 children under the age of two years accessing a funded place
- 925 children aged two years old accessing a funded place
- 1,618 children aged three and four years old accessing a funded place
Health
Data from Local Authority Health Profiles.
8.4% - Smoking at time of delivery
95.5% - New Birth Visits within 14 days
4.5% - New Birth Visits after 14 days
24.2% - Totally breastfed at six to eight weeks
23.4% - Reception prevalence of overweight (including obesity)
12,585 - A&E attendances for 0 to four year olds
95.7% - Development Reviews at six to eight weeks
96.1% - Development Reviews at 12 months
96.5% - Development Reviews at two to two and a half years
