Contents

  1. Purpose and Scope
  2. Headline GLD Challenge
  3. Evidence of Need
  4. System and Service Analysis
  5. GLD Improvement Priorities
  6. Delivery Plan
  7. Outcomes, Measures and Learning
  8. Governance, Accountability and Partnership
  9. Risks, Assumptions and Mitigations
  10. Next Steps and Review Cycle
  11. Annex A
  12. Annex B
  13. Easy Read Version

13. Easy Read Version

Easy Read: Best Start in Life Strategic Plan

Purpose

This plan explains how Bexley will help all children aged 0 to 5 get a good start in life. It aims to help more children be ready for school.

Main Challenges

Not enough children reach a Good Level of Development (GLD). Fewer children on Free School Meals achieve GLD. There are gaps between areas and groups.

What Children and Families Need

Families need help early, including support with mental health, feeding, communication and parenting.

Our Priorities

  1. Help children learn language and communicate.
  2. Support parents from pregnancy to age 2.
  3. Improve access to childcare and early education.
  4. Create Family Hubs in the areas that need them most.
  5. Offer parenting programmes that work.

Delivery

The programme runs from November 2025 to March 2029. New Family Hubs will open in 2026. Staff will be trained and systems improved.

How We Measure Success

We aim for 80% of all children, and 61.8% of FSM children, to reach GLD by 2028.

Governance

A project team and boards will oversee the work. Partners include health, education and community services.

Risks

Main risks include staff shortages, budget pressures and delays with buildings and digital systems.