Case studies

Overview

Demand pressures and increasing costs were putting strain on the system, making it difficult to maintain service quality and meet the needs of service users efficiently. There was recognition that no single partner could deliver systemic improvement alone; effective collaboration across Stoke-on-Trent City Council, Staffordshire County Council and Midlands Partnership Foundation was essential for meaningful change.

Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, Halton’s intermediate care provision was delivered through several separate services. These included the Rapid Access Rehabilitation Service, a Capacity and Demand Team, falls prevention team, hospital discharge teams and a Frailty team. While each service provided valuable support, they operated largely independently.

In 2017, Croydon Council, the local NHS Commissioning body, local health providers and voluntary organisations formed the One Croydon Alliance. They signed a legally binding 10 year agreement to work as one system, with shared goals and shared responsibility for local people’s wellbeing.

This case study shows how Dingley’s Promise Specialist SEND Early Years Centre’s improve outcomes for children with SEND, reduce pressure on costly statutory systems, increase successful transitions into mainstream education, and strengthen specialist sufficiency in the early years. It also demonstrates why investing earlier is more effective and more affordable than waiting until needs escalate.

This case study explores the structure and development of the SEND Early Years Service in East Sussex, the services provided to early years settings and families, the emerging evidence of impact, and the future direction of the work in line with Best Start for Life and Family Hub developments.

Best Start Family Hub – Tudor Way is a key part of Worcestershire’s Best Start in Life Family Hubs programme, providing accessible, coordinated support for families with children aged 0–19 (or up to 25 for young people with SEND). Located in the Dines Green area of Worcester, the hub offers a welcoming, non stigmatising space where families can access help early, develop skills and confidence, and connect with services in their local community.

Across the UK, local government is stepping up to tackle the climate emergency. Councils are facing growing challenges across the country and need practical ways to make real change.

Halton Family Hubs introduced monthly Baby Showers towards the end of 2023 as an innovative approach to supporting families during pregnancy and early parenthood. The initiative aims to simplify how families access information, advice, and support at a time that can often feel overwhelming.

Cheshire West and Chester Council has transformed its traditional youth funding approach by introducing a young people-led grant model over the past two years. Previously, funding was repeatedly awarded to the same organisations with limited innovation or strategic alignment. A £55,000 fund was redesigned to prioritise grassroots initiatives, embed youth voice, and ensure sustainability. Young people were given 51 per cent of voting rights in funding decisions, supported by structured youth voice systems and training in decision-making.