Welcome to Salford’s Best Start Strategy 2026–2031

Giving every child in Salford the best possible start in life is one of our city’s most important ambitions. Our Best Start Strategy 2026–2031 brings together partners from across health, education, social care, early years settings, Family Hubs and the voluntary and community sector to make this ambition a reality.

The strategy sets out our shared vision:

From pregnancy to a child’s first day at school, these early years shape everything that follows. By working together, listening to families and acting early, we can ensure every child – whatever their background or circumstances – has the strong foundations they need to flourish.

What the strategy brings

Our Best Start Strategy outlines how we will:

• Work as a unified early years partnership to support families at the right time and in the right way.
• Strengthen early identification of needs and provide timely, coordinated support.
• Tackle inequalities so that every child has a fair and equal chance to thrive.
• Empower parents and carers, recognising them as a child’s first and most important educators.
• Champion high quality early education and childcare that is inclusive, welcoming and accessible to all.
• Improve communication and language, social and emotional wellbeing, and early health outcomes.

The strategy has been shaped by the voices of parents, carers, children, and practitioners from across Salford. It reflects the realities of local families, the strengths of our communities, and the challenges we must address together.

Our five priorities

The strategy focuses on five key priorities that will drive improvement across the early years system:

1. A fair start for all – Reducing inequalities and ensuring every child can thrive.
2. Belonging for every child – Strengthening inclusion, accessibility and equity.
3. Listening, learning and communicating well – Improving speech, language and communication.
4. Caring and connected relationships – Building strong, nurturing relationships around every child.
5. Healthy lives from the start – Promoting healthy lifestyles, self care skills and positive daily routines.

These priorities are supported by a strong set of commitments and a clear framework for delivery across Salford.

A whole city partnership for children and families

Salford’s Best Start Strategy is delivered through the Early Years Partnership, which includes over 240 early years providers, Family Hubs, health services, community organisations, children’s social care, schools, libraries, leisure services and many more.

Together, we will create a system that is:

• Connected
• Inclusive
• Relationship centred
• Focused on prevention and early help
• Driven by evidence, insight and lived experience

Our shared commitment is simple:

Every child in Salford deserves the very best start in life.