Richard Quigley, Labour MP for Isle of Wight West, has warmly welcomed the Government’s announcement that three new Best Start Family Hubs will open on the Island — located in Newport, Ryde, and Sandown.
These hubs will build on the proud legacy of the previous Labour Government’s Sure Start programme, delivering vital support to families across the community.
A “onestop shop” for parents
Rolling out in every local authority by April 2026, Best Start Hubs will serve as a “onestop shop” for parents, offering services such as breastfeeding support, housing advice, early childhood development resources, speech and language assistance, and parenting courses.
They will also provide stay-and-play groups and wider interventions to help families thrive.
Across the country
Backed by over £500 million in government funding, up to 1,000 Best Start Family Hubs are planned across the country by 2028 — including in areas that previously lacked access to such services.
Many existing family centres will also be upgraded under the scheme.
This announcement follows recent positive news that, starting next year, around 7,530 children on the Isle of Wight will receive free school meals — another demonstration of the Government’s commitment to supporting children and families across the UK.
Phillipson: Putting first building blocks of better life chances in place
Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson said,
“It’s the driving mission of this government to break the link between a child’s background and what they go on to achieve – our new Best Start Family Hubs will put the first building blocks of better life chances in place for more children.
“I saw firsthand how initiatives like Sure Start helped level the playing field, transforming the lives of children by putting in place family support in the earliest years of life, and as part of our Plan for Change, we’re building on its legacy for the next generation of children.
“Making sure hard-working parents are able to benefit from more early help is a promise made and promise kept – delivering a lifeline of consistent support across the nation, ensuring health, social care and education work in unison to ensure all children get the best start in life.”
Quigley: Fantastic news for families across the Island
Richard Quigley MP added,
“This is fantastic news for families across the Island. Many of us rightly remember and value the transformational impact of the last Labour Government’s Sure Start centres, and I’m proud to see this Government building on that legacy.
“These new Family Hubs show a real commitment to supporting children and families — not just nationally, but right here on the Isle of Wight.”
You are not alone
Raising a family isn’t always easy, and no one should feel like they’re doing it alone. These hubs will bring essential services together under one roof, helping parents access the support they need quickly and without stigma.
Whether it’s getting help with early development, finding advice on housing, or just having a safe space to connect with other parents — this is about giving every child the best possible start in life.
News shared by the office of Richard Quigley MP. Ed
