New family support hubs coming to High Wycombe and Burnham
Buckinghamshire Council has confirmed the expansion of its early years support network with the approval of two new Best Start Family Hubs in High Wycombe and Burnham. The decision, finalized during a Cabinet meeting on Tuesday, 12 May, forms a core part of the local authority’s strategy to improve development outcomes for children before they reach school age.
These facilities are designed to integrate health, education, and family support services under one roof. The initiative follows the successful launch of the county’s first such hub in Elmhurst, Aylesbury, which opened last month. The program is part of a wider national mandate requiring councils to strengthen early years services and ensure children are better prepared for the transition into primary education.
Support services for High Wycombe and Burnham families
The new Best Start Family Hubs will provide a centralized point of contact for parents and caregivers. Services will range from universal health provisions, such as midwifery and health visiting, to more specialized assistance. This includes coordinated intervention for children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) or specific developmental delays.
Families will also have access to parenting programs aimed at strengthening the home learning environment. By bringing these services together, the council aims to provide a more seamless experience for residents, moving away from fragmented support systems. Similar initiatives are being seen across the region, such as the family support hub services recently established to provide all-in-one assistance for young people.
Targeting school readiness and early development
A primary driver for the expansion is the ambitious goal for 80% of children in Buckinghamshire to achieve a Good Level of Development (GLD) by the 2027/28 academic year. Current data suggests that targeted, early intervention is necessary to reach this benchmark, particularly for children eligible for free school meals who may face additional barriers to education.
By placing the Best Start Family Hubs in areas identified as having higher levels of need, the council intends to provide preventative support that addresses developmental gaps before a child starts their reception year. The focus remains on improving literacy, social skills, and physical development during the critical first five years of life.
Repurposing local sites for community use
The implementation of the hubs involves the strategic use of existing council assets. In Burnham, the site of the current Adult Services Day Centre will be repurposed to house the new facility. This move allows for a relatively swift transition to the new service model using a central, known location.
In High Wycombe, the council is currently in the process of identifying a suitable location that offers maximum accessibility for local families. Carl Jackson, Cabinet Member for Education and Children’s Services, stated that the decision builds on the positive momentum of the Best Start in Life programme, ensuring that support is available when and where families need it most.
| Location | Site Status |
|---|---|
| Burnham | Adult Services Day Centre (to be repurposed) |
| High Wycombe | Site selection currently in progress |
| Aylesbury | Elmhurst Hub (Operational) |
The Best Start Family Hubs will function as an extension of the existing Family Hub network already operating across Buckinghamshire. Once the High Wycombe site is finalized, the council is expected to release a timeline for the commencement of services at both new locations.
Source: Buckinghamshire Council
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