Written question asked by Andy MacNae (Labour) on Friday, 23 January 2026, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 27 January 2026. It was answered by Olivia Bailey (Labour) on Monday, 2 February 2026 on behalf of the Department for Education.

Parents: Advisory Services

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what steps she is taking to ensure that evidence drives the rollout of online parenting support contained in the Best Start in Life Strategy.

Answer

As set out in the Best Start in Life strategy, the government will fund more evidence-based parenting and home learning offers through Best Start Family Hubs to achieve the 75% good level of development milestone, and bridge the critical gap before children enter school. We will set clearer rules to ensure that funding is used on high-quality parenting programmes.

The publication 'Best Start Family Hubs and Healthy Babies – Preparing for implementation April 2026' sets out a number of relevant programme requirements around evidence, and the department will set out further information in the coming months, including on the online elements of the parenting offer. The publication is available here: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/best-start-family-hubs-and-healthy-babies-guidance-for-local-authorities.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 108058
Session: 2024-26
Related items: Giving every child the best start in life
Monday, 7 July 2025
Command papers
House of Commons
House of Lords
Subjects: Advisory services Child rearing Internet Parents
Link: View this Written question on www.parliament.uk

Parents: Advisory Services

Secondary information

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