Richard Quigley, MP for Isle of Wight West, has welcomed the Government’s announcement that 3 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.
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.
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 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.
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 first-hand 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.
Article continues below this advertisement “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”.
Isle of Wight West MP, Richard Quigley, has said:
“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.”
Sadly children can’t pick their parents.
What happened to the welfare clinics many years ago where mothers and baby’s went to?
Does anyone remember the welfare clinic operated in Well Street in Ryde which turned into the youth club?
Just an observation but don’t they need a “hub” in Mr Quigley’s domain?
There is already a “Family hub” in golf links road, no where near a bus route mind you.
So true, numpty parents means many children have no
chance.
quigley claimed he would sort out the ferries – no such delivery of pre election claims
the bloke has that typical labour, saccharin look dripping off his face
Just like most politicians, they talk the talk,
but don’t walk the walk.
All hot air, the politicians don’t pay ferry fares,
they claim for theirs on their expense claims.
“so they don’t care”
Lol
If you can’t feed it, don’t breed it.
All the help and support in one place to become a professional scrounger.
More money wasted on entitled people.
Ahhh quigley doing a “seeley” welcomes this and that,does sod all,how are the ferriess you said youd sort out in 100 days?
another mp thats full of it,just like all of westminster!
Couldn’t sort them in 100 months, yet alone
100 days.