Examples of our work
We worked with an NHS partner in Tower Hamlets who is responsible for delivering health and development reviews for families with babies aged 0-2. The partner had identified that due to the pandemic many families may not have had the usual number of reviews and wanted to test offering an additional review to families to address that gap.
The pilot was devised to address the gaps in professional contact between a child’s 12- and 24-month check. Our NHS partner was able to provide a universal offer to all families within their area. Of the eligible families, around 100 took up the offer between August 2022 and January 2023. Most parents said they would recommend the review to others, and many found the opportunity to discuss their child’s development helpful.
In a minority of families (14%) a development need was identified, and all these families were offered a referral for further support. Having this extra review, at 15 – 18 months, supported early intervention for children with any developmental delay with a timelier care plan. The findings not only shaped our discussions with local NHS officials but will inform broader research into early years health services across England.
In September 2022, we entered a partnership with the Tower Hamlets Parent and Family Support Team to run a yearlong pilot for children aged 3 & 4 years of age, of Save the Children UK’s evidence-based Families Connect parenting programme.
Led by the team’s family engagement practitioners, the pilot had a profound impact on relationships between parents and their children, as well as between schools and the local community.
Outcomes included increased confidence amongst parents in areas including their child’s understanding of and ability to manage their feelings. Parents also felt there was a better ongoing dialogue with their child’s nursery or school. One local school said: “Parents that attended the course are more comfortable to approach the [school] team if they have any issues and the relationships have become more friendly on a day-to-day basis.’
