Council opening hours throughout Christmas
Some Westmorland and Furness Council offices will be closed over the Christmas and New Year Bank Holidays. Read the full list of Council opening hours during the festive period.
Best Start in Life
Explore the new parent hub and give your child the Best Start in Life
The early years of a child’s life are crucial for their health, development, and future success. To make sure every family has the right tools and support, the UK Government has launched Best Start in Life – a one-stop online hub designed to guide parents and carers from pregnancy through to starting school and beyond.
About Best Start in Life
Best Start in Life brings together trusted advice and practical resources in one easy-to-use platform. It replaces the previous Childcare Choices and Start for Life websites, streamlining information so parents no longer need to search multiple sources.
The hub covers six key themes:
- pregnancy – week-by-week guides, preparing for birth, and health advice
- baby – feeding, bonding, and caring for your newborn
- toddler – weaning, speech and language development, and early learning tips
- childcare & Early Years education – find out about funded childcare offers and local services
- school readiness – practical steps to prepare your child for reception
- childcare eligibility checker – quickly check what support you’re entitled to
Useful information
Visit the Best Start in Life website:
- for trusted guidance - access NHS-backed health advice alongside government childcare information
- to get personalised support - sign up for weekly emails tailored to your pregnancy stage or child’s age
- to find local services - use postcode search to find family hubs, breakfast clubs, and wraparound childcare near you
- to save money - learn about funded childcare offers, including up to 30 hours of free childcare for eligible families
- to stay informed - subscribe to newsletters for the latest updates and tips.
Part of a bigger plan
This initiative is central to the government’s Plan for Change, aiming for 75% of five-year-olds to reach a good level of development by 2028. By cutting through the noise of conflicting online advice, Best Start in Life provides parents with clear, evidence-based information to help children thrive.