Building strong foundations for Devon’s children with free local support

Friday, 17 July 2026 13:34

By Julie Green

Devon County Council are backing the national Best Start in Life campaign, with a focus on children who will start school in September 2027. This includes children currently aged three to four, who are about to begin their final year in nursery or pre-school.

Parents and carers of young children in Devon are being encouraged to use free local support to help their child get ready for school.

Devon County Council are backing the national Best Start in Life campaign, with a focus on children who will start school in September 2027.

This includes children currently aged three to four, who are about to begin their final year in nursery or pre-school.

Through Devon’s Family Hubs, families can access a wide range of free advice, support and activities designed to boost early development, communication and confidence.

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.

Support is available to all families, and parents do not need a referral to access it.

Whether it’s 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.

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.

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.

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’s learning through play at home.

Parents and carers will have opportunities to help shape services, ensuring support continues to reflect what families need most.

Councillor Julian Brazil, Devon County Council’s Leader and Cabinet Member for Education said:

“Starting school is a big step for both children and parents. We know it can feel exciting but also a little daunting.

“The early years are vital in helping children feel confident and ready to learn.

“Our Best Start in Life plan aims to make sure every child in Devon has the strongest possible start and feels ready for school.

“And our Family Hubs are here to make that journey easier, offering simple, practical support that helps children build confidence and get ready to learn.

“We want every family in Devon to know that support is there for them, whatever their situation.”

Councillor Julian Brazil, Leader of the Council

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.

More information is available on the Devon County Council website: Find out more about Devon Family Hubs.

More from Local News

New Chair appointed for £20 million community initiative in Exeter

A £20 million initiative to strengthen communities in Exeter has taken a major step forward with the appointment of an independent Chair.
Go-ahead for demolition of Dawlish Warren ‘blight’ site

A derelict hotel overlooking one of Devon’s busiest resort beaches is to be transformed into a modern ‘aparthotel’ with a spa, a coffee house, a café/bar and a roof terrace.
Coastguard payments to continue after government U-turn

Local MPs have welcomed the government’s decision to abandon plans to no longer offer an hourly reimbursement to coastguard rescue officers (CROs).
New Health Lead appointed to tackle city's health inequalities

Statistics have revealed that Exeter residents living in the city's most deprived neighbourhoods can expect to live nearly 17 years less than those in its wealthiest areas.
High numbers of people with dehydration attending Emergency Departments

The hot weather in the South West is continuing to have an impact on the number of people presenting at the Royal Devon Emergency Departments with heat related conditions.
Commissioner encourages reporting as concern over antisocial behaviour continues

Police and Crime Commissioner Alison Hernandez says significant efforts are being made to tackle antisocial behaviour after reports of rising issues in towns across the region.
Angry youngsters tackle South West Water over sewage

Children at a Devon primary school who say their classmates are getting sick after swimming in pollution have taken aim at South West Water.
CQC rates Devon County Council’s adult social care provision as requires improvement

The Care Quality Commission (CQC) has rated Devon County Council as requires improvement, in how well they are meeting their responsibilities to ensure people have access to adult social care and support under the Care Act (2014).
SWR earns highest MOD accolade for supporting Armed Forces

South Western Railway (SWR) has been awarded the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme (ERS) Gold Award, the Ministry of Defence’s highest accolade for organisations that provide exceptional support to the Armed Forces community.
Commissioner welcomes latest recognition of improvements to force performance

A year after Devon & Cornwall Police was taken out of special measures a new inspection rating system puts the force two categories away from that rating.
Appeal following a car and motorcycle collision in Exeter

Police are appealing for witnesses and information following a two-vehicle collision on Honiton Road, Exeter.
Devon ‘betrayed’ as Exeter and Plymouth given land-grab green light

Devon’s residents have been “betrayed” in a fundamental overhaul of how Devon’s councils will be reorganised and which services they will be responsible for, it has been claimed.
Greens’ anger at Exeter car ban decision

Councillors who voted to let cars back into a cycles-only street in Exeter have been accused of ‘kicking the can down Dryden Road’.
City council leader promises ‘simpler services’ after shake-up

Massive changes to local councils across Devon will simplify services for local people, according to the leader of one of the councils that will be expanded as part of the set up.
Devon County Council sets out priorities for the year ahead as it prepares for Local Government Reorganisation

Devon County Council has unveiled its plans for the year ahead as it prepares for one of the biggest changes to local government in the county's history.
Collaboration supports major funding boost for GP research in the South West

A partnership involving the Royal Devon is helping more patients benefit from life-changing research through their local GP practice.