Early Years Social Prescribing Early Years Social Prescribing: Our Evidence Base Our Commitment to Evidence-Based Practice At Lloyd Park Children’s Charity, our Early Years Social Prescribing Service is grounded in a strong and growing evidence base. We recognise that children’s development is shaped not only by healthcare, but by family wellbeing, relationships, and the wider social factors affecting everyday life. Our work focuses on supporting families experiencing challenges such as developmental delay, financial hardship, parental wellbeing needs, and social isolation. Why the Early Years Matter Research shows that the early years are a critical period for children’s development. Parenting and the parent–child relationship play a key role in shaping children’s emotional, social, and long-term health outcomes. Parental mental health is particularly important: Mothers are around twice as likely to experience depression during childbearing years Children of parents experiencing poor mental health are more likely to develop anxiety and depression Parenting stress can influence how difficulties are passed between parent and child. Importantly, research highlights that many of the risks affecting children are modifiable within the family environment, meaning timely support can make a real difference. What is Social Prescribing? Social prescribing connects families to community-based support, activities, and practical resources to improve wellbeing. Studies show this approach can: Reduce loneliness and isolation Improve mental health and emotional wellbeing Increase confidence, resilience, and coping skills Strengthen community connections and support networks It also helps address the wider determinants of health, such as housing, relationships, and financial pressures, which are often at the root of many challenges families face. Why Social Prescribing for Families? Supporting parents is one of the most effective ways to improve outcomes for children. Research shows that: Parent and child mental health are closely linked and influence each other Interventions that support both parent and child together are more effective Strengthening parenting capacity improves children’s development and life chances By improving parental wellbeing, social prescribing helps create more stable, nurturing environments for children to thrive. The Power of Community and Connection A strong sense of belonging and connection to others is essential for wellbeing. Evidence shows that when people feel part of a community, they experience: Greater emotional support and resilience A stronger sense of purpose and identity Improved overall health and wellbeing This is why our service focuses on building local connections and supportive relationships, not just providing services. Co‑Production: Working Together with Families Our approach is co-produced with families through our CoCo East project. This means parents and community members actively shape the support available. Research shows co-production: Improves engagement and relevance of services Builds confidence, empowerment, and independence Reduces social isolation Leads to more sustainable and effective support It also recognises that communities understand their own needs best, and that tailored, local solutions are more effective than generic approaches. Tackling Inequality Early Children growing up in disadvantaged circumstances experience poorer health and developmental outcomes due to social and economic factors. Social prescribing helps to address these inequalities by: Providing early, preventative support Reducing reliance on crisis services Improving access to community resources and opportunities This approach supports fairer outcomes for children and families. How Our Approach Works Research highlights that effective social prescribing services are: Person-centred and holistic Built on strong partnerships across services Focused on co-producing solutions with families Designed to build long-term resilience and independence Our Early Years Social Prescribing model reflects these principles in practice. Measuring Our Impact We use evidence-based approaches to understand the difference our service makes, including looking at: Sense of belonging within the community Levels of social support Experiences of loneliness or isolation Overall wellbeing and quality of life This helps ensure we are continually improving and delivering meaningful outcomes for families. Summary The evidence is clear, supporting parents, strengthening relationships, and connecting families to their communities can have a powerful and lasting impact on children’s development. Early Years Social Prescribing offers a preventative, holistic, and evidence-informed approach that improves wellbeing for the whole family and helps children get the best possible start in life. Our Evidence Base This work is informed by a range of research, including: Daundasekara et al. (2021) – parental mental health and child outcomes Thomas et al. (2021) – social prescribing and co-production Hassan et al. (2023) – social prescribing systems and implementation Wakefield et al. (2022) – social connection and wellbeing Goldfeld et al. (2017) – social determinants of child development Waylen et al. (2008) – parenting and child health outcomes Kuckertz et al. (2018) – parenting and child mental health

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Annual Data Summary: Understanding our Community Overview This report brings together our annual data for 2025–2026, highlighting how families and children engage with our services across the community, alongside key trends in early years care and education. Overall, the data shows strong reach across the borough, with continued high registration rates and growing impact through targeted services such as Grow Wild, Baby Bank, and Early Years support. Reach and Engagement Registration across the borough remains a key strength, with 103% of children registered against the community population, exceeding local authority targets. While overall engagement reduced compared to the previous year, 13,488 children were still actively engaged in Family Hubs, delivered by our multi agency team. This represents 71% of registered children and 73% of the wider community. 9568 of these individuals used services delivered by our charity. This decrease reflects changes in delivery, including service redesign and contract changes impacting how new birth families are contacted and supported during 2025, rather than reduced need. Across neighbourhoods, patterns varied: Central saw the strongest growth in registrations South West experienced the largest decrease Engagement reduced across most areas, with some local variation Supporting Families and Target Groups The data shows positive progress in reaching families who are less likely to access support and services: Increased engagement with children with SEND and additional needs Improved reach to male lone carers and teenage parents Continued support for families experiencing vulnerability and disadvantage At the same time, there are areas for development, including: Lower engagement with some carers with disabilities Ongoing need to strengthen consistent engagement across all groups Early Years Care and Education Across our Early Years settings: The number of 0–4 year olds attending has increased, alongside a small rise in older children accessing provision There has been an increase in children identified with SEND Ethnic diversity remains strong, although the proportion of children from ethnic minority groups has slightly decreased Data also highlights changes linked to the 2025 Index of Multiple Deprivation update, which has altered how deprivation is measured across areas. Key Services Making an Impact Grow Wild Grow Wild continues to be one of the highest-impact programmes: 2,811 individuals and 1,279 families reached Significant increase in participation compared to the previous year Strong engagement through play-based, outdoor learning opportunities Baby Bank Support for families facing financial hardship has grown significantly: 628 individuals supported, up from 501 403 families received essential items Over 18,800 items distributed, including nappies, clothing, and toys Demand remains high, with strong links to food banks and wider support services. Early Years Social Prescribing 69 referrals received, with 495 support contacts delivered Increased engagement with families living in more deprived areas Strong partnership working to connect families to the support they need CoCo East and Community Programmes 534 individuals engaged through CoCo East activities Family play sessions, wellbeing support, and Grow Wild activities were key drivers of engagement Continued focus on building connection, confidence, and community Ready for School Lower overall reach, but significantly increased depth of engagement Average contact per child increased substantially, showing more intensive, targeted support Communities We Serve Across all services: The largest group engaged remains White British, followed by Other White, Pakistani, and mixed backgrounds Services continue to reach a diverse and changing community, with varying levels of engagement across different groups. Key Insight A clear message from this year’s data is that: Demand for support remains high, particularly for families experiencing financial pressure, SEND needs, and early years vulnerability. At the same time, there is strong evidence that: Targeted, relational services increase both reach and impact Programmes such as Grow Wild, Baby Bank, and integrated family support play a vital role in meeting community need Conclusion Despite changes in delivery and external factors, our services continue to reach a significant proportion of the local community and provide meaningful support to children and families. The focus moving forward will be to: Strengthen engagement across all communities Improve consistency of data and SEND identification Continue building joined-up, accessible services that respond to local need

Childcare Our Pedagogy Settings Teatime and Holiday Club Apply for a place Fees and Funding More Our inclusive early years settings support children to follow their interests and celebrate achievements Settings Our Higham Hill and Lloyd Park centres provide full-time and part-time childcare - from 6 months to 5 years, Please note that the Under 2s waiting list at Lloyd Park is currently closed. Applications are still welcome for 2–5 year places and sessional places. We also run teatime and holiday clubs for primary school aged children. Lloyd Park Higham Hill Apply for a place Our parents as partners Parents are childrens' most important educators, so we work closely with them to share childrens' experiences at home and in our settings. We encourage parent/carers to be involved with their child's time with us wherever possible. Our Pedagogy Our approach to teaching and learning (pedagogy) starts with our mission to build brighter futures for every child. Our pedagogy is inspired by research about how children learn and develop. We use 'Learning Stories' to celebrate and share children's experiences. Learn more SEND and our childcare Our welcoming and inclusive settings support children as unique individuals to follow their interests and celebrate achievements Learn more Our Food Our dedicated catering team prepares our meals on-site using fresh ingredients incorporating special dietary requirements and individual needs. Our menu is based on the Eat Well guidelines, with an emphasis on serving a wide range of plant-based foods. Sample Menu Fees and Funding We are a not-for-profit organsiation so all of our income is used to sustain our work. Our fees are reviewed by our trustees annually to ensure we are value for money and sustainable. The government provides support for childcare costs. The Childcare Choices website can help you determine the most beneficial options for your family. Learn more Please be aware that some of these links connect you to external websites. Our charity cannot be responsible for the content of these sites including any downloadable files. Please read our policy on links to external web pages here

Pro Bono Skilled Voluntering: Many businesses and organisations have schemes allowing professionals to donate time to charities for the benefit of the community. Maybe you can donate time through one of these schemes or perhaps you are a self-employed professional allowing you more flexibility. Either way, we'd love to hear your ideas about how you could help us support local children in need with your professional skills and experience. Whether your backgorund is in legal, human rights, safety, finance, business or in eduation, health, menotring or the creative arts; we're always open to new collabortations that will improve life chances for local children. Drop us a line to start a conversation, We look forward to hearing from you! Email our team

Venue Bookings November 2026 Today Sat Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri 31 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11

Bookable Activities Book direct with us Baby Massage View Book on EventBrite Mindful Medley Initital Sleep Consultations Mellow Bumps Mellow Courses - Online Triple P Babies Parent Carer Voices Painting Together Single Parents Coaching View

Real Voices Real Partnerships Real Impact Helping families and professionals create services that truly work to build brighter futures for children Ideas brought to life by parents and carers Communication and Play Family Wellbeing Mindfulness SEND Dad's Group Young Parents Group Austism and Disability Language Support SEND Parents Support LGBTQ+ Family Outdoors Play Yoga Send & Siblings CoCo East is your welcoming co-production collaborative that runs workshops where parents and carers can come together to share ideas about the support services they'd like to see for their children. Our workshops are an informal way to express your views, meet new people and make things happen together! A sample of activities co-produced by Coco East parents and carers Check out our current range of support activities using our 'What's On' calendar What's On You're invited to our next workshop Join us and share your views. We'd love to see you and share ideas over a cuppa, or two! Tuesday 24th Nov 10:00-11:30 pm, Grow Well Centre, Saxon Close, E17 8LE Email us if you'd like more info: Share you ideas online If you can't make it to our next workshop, or if you simply prefer, you can share your ideas for improving services for local children and families using our brief online feedback form: Feedback form:

Donating equipment and supplies What's needed? 1. Baby Bank essentials Our Baby Bank is always in need of essential emergency suppiles to support families in crisis struggling with the cost-of-living. Find out more on our dedicated Baby Bank page: Baby Bank 2. Technology Software, laptops and tablets enhance the efficiency of our adminsistration and free up more of our time to suppport children and familes. Phones, tablets and SIM cards help us to bridge the ever widening digital divide for some the most vulnerable families in our community. Being connected improves every aspect of their lives allowing them to stay in touch with family and friends as well as accessing local support services. If you or your organisation would like donate techology that you think would support our mission of building brighter futures for chidlren we'd love to hear from you! Email us 3. Educational toys and learning resources Across our wide range of support services for children and families we embed opportunities to learn through play and often start with play-based actiivities as a first step in engaging and building trust. We're always seeking to renew our stock of toys and resources with sutainable, high quality items that have a lower environmental impact and that will inspire young minds for longer. Email us

Action Planning The Lloyd Park Children’s Charity Action Planning Working Together to Improve Outcomes for Children and Families 1st July 2026 The Early Years Action Planning Group is a well-established multi-agency partnership committed to improving outcomes for babies, young children and their families across the Waltham Forest. The group brings together professionals and representatives from health services, public health, children's centres, early years providers, outreach services, Early Help, the voluntary and community sector, service leaders, parents and local politicians. By bringing together different perspectives and expertise, the group is able to develop a shared understanding of the needs of local children and families and work collectively to address them. A central part of the group's role is to review local evidence and data. This includes information relating to child development, health outcomes, early education, service access and demographic trends. The group uses this evidence to identify priorities, understand challenges facing families and develop coordinated, evidence-informed responses that can improve outcomes during the crucial early years of a child's life. Our Latest Action Planning Session At our most recent action planning session, partners reviewed local data and explored areas where collaborative action could have the greatest impact. Four key priorities were identified: supporting early language and literacy development, improving engagement with families of younger children, increasing take-up of funded early education and improving childhood immunisation uptake. Supporting Early Language and Literacy The group identified family reading and book-sharing as an important area of focus. Evidence and practitioner experience highlighted several barriers, including family pressures, lack of awareness of the benefits of reading, difficulties accessing books, parental confidence with literacy and the increasing impact of screen time on family routines. Partners agreed to strengthen reading promotion activities by providing families with practical information and support, increasing awareness of local resources such as libraries and book-sharing schemes, and developing engaging reading opportunities within communities. Particular attention will be given to reaching groups who may currently be less likely to engage with literacy activities, including fathers and other underrepresented family members. The group also highlighted the importance of inclusive approaches, including the use of visual resources, translated materials and British Sign Language to support communication and access. These actions aim to encourage more families to enjoy books together, support children's communication and language development and contribute to improved school readiness. Improving Engagement with Families of Young Children The group also examined demographic information relating to children aged 0–2 years. Members identified opportunities to strengthen the use of local data to better understand which families are accessing services and where further engagement may be needed. A particular focus was placed on ensuring services can effectively identify and reach families who may benefit from additional support. Partners agreed to improve the collection and analysis of demographic information, strengthen links between services and outreach teams and make better use of information from Early Years and Public Health partners. There was also a commitment to focus engagement activity on communities experiencing the highest levels of disadvantage and to use local intelligence to support targeted outreach. By improving our understanding of local need, the partnership will be better placed to ensure support reaches the children and families who need it most. Increasing Access to Funded Early Education Access to funded early education for eligible two-year-olds was identified as another important priority. Discussion highlighted several possible barriers, including low awareness of available funding, uncertainty about whether settings can meet children's needs and language or communication barriers that can make information difficult to access. Partners also recognised the influence of wider factors such as housing circumstances, family wellbeing, ethnicity, special educational needs and disabilities, and English as an Additional Language. To better understand these challenges, the group agreed to gather additional information from Early Years services and Speech and Language Therapy colleagues. Partners will review available evidence, analyse patterns of participation and establish a focused action group to develop recommendations that can increase the number of eligible children benefiting from funded places. Increasing participation in high-quality early education can have a significant positive impact on children's learning, development and readiness for school, making this an important area for ongoing partnership work. Improving Childhood Immunisation Uptake The final priority considered by the group was childhood immunisation uptake. Partners identified a number of factors that may contribute to lower uptake, including parental anxiety, misinformation, language barriers and limited opportunities for families to discuss concerns with trusted professionals. Differences in immunisation systems across countries were also recognised as a potential factor for some families. The group agreed that a coordinated, partnership-based approach is needed. Planned actions include improving public awareness of the benefits of immunisation, making information available in a wider range of languages, strengthening professional training and creating more opportunities for families to access trusted advice through community settings, outreach activity and local events. Partners also committed to working closely with Public Health colleagues to better understand local trends and target support where it is most needed. The overall aim is to ensure that families have access to clear, consistent and evidence-based information so they can make informed decisions and children can benefit from the protection that immunisation provides. Looking Ahead The Early Years Evidence and Learning Group will continue to meet termly to review progress, analyse emerging evidence and identify opportunities for further collaborative action. By combining data, professional expertise and the experiences of families and communities, the partnership aims to ensure that services are responsive, inclusive and effective. Through strong multi-agency working and a shared commitment to evidence-informed practice, we will continue striving to give every child the best possible start in life.

See available post from across our charity. We regularlty recruit to positions in childcare, early years learning and developement, family support, and a variety of support roles. Experienced Outreach and Family Support Practitioner Location: Across the London Borough of Waltham Forest Salary: £31,430 Hours: Full Time 36 hour per week Contract: Fixed-term for 12 months, with the possibility of extension until June 2027 Closing date: Thursday, 9th October 2025 Interviews: Week commencing 13th October 2025 Overview At Lloyd Park Children’s Charity, we’re proud to be at the heart of our community, supporting children and families to thrive. We believe every child deserves the best start in life, and we work together to create safe, inclusive, and nurturing environments where children can grow, learn, and flourish. We’re looking for a passionate and committed individual to join our team in a fixed-term role. If you’re someone who shares our values and is ready to make a real difference, we’d love to hear from you. We’re seeking someone who: Has qualifications relevant to early years and experience in working with families. Is enthusiastic, caring, and committed to inclusive practice. Enjoys working as part of a supportive team and engaging with the local community. This role is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and therefore subject to an enhanced DBS certificate; this is a requirement of the DBS code of practice. Job Description Apply Now

Our Evidence and Learning At The Lloyd Park Children’s Charity, we learn by listening to families, reflecting on our practice, and using evidence to improve our work. This page shares research, evaluations, project learning, and our annual impact, alongside real examples from practice showing how we support children and families every day. Together, this highlights what matters most; relationships, trust, and connection, and how these lead to positive outcomes. We are committed to continuous learning and sharing what works to strengthen communities. July 26 Multi-Agency Action Planning: Working Together for Families Bringing partners together to explore data and insight to identify priorities and take coordinated action to improve outcomes for children and families Annual Data Summary: Understanding Our Community Sharing insights from our services to highlight reach, engagement, and the impact of our work with children and families Ready for School: Project Overview, Outcomes and Impact Supporting families and strengthening children’s development across the prime areas and towards a Good Level of Development (GLD) Grow Well: Building Strong Foundations in the Early Years Bringing together research, data and practice-based learning to show how relationship-based support improves outcomes for babies and families Journal Club: Working Together to Strengthen Practice Drawing on shared staff learning and research to understand what works and strengthen our early years and family support approach Early Years Social Prescribing: Building Connections How community connections, parental wellbeing, and early support work together to improve outcomes for children and families Breaking Barriers: Building Confidence and Connection Exploring how a parent-led, inclusive and play-based approach supports families to build confidence, reduce isolation, and strengthen relationships. Somewhere to Belong: Early Support for Families Supporting parents and young children with SEND through connection, confidence, and joined-up early intervention. Musical Climbers and Creators Co-produced with families, children and music-making charity, Soundcastle. Discover the inspiring sounds and creations made by children. Multi-Agency Action Planning: Working Together for Families Bringing partners together to explore data and insight to identify priorities and take coordinated action to improve outcomes for children and families You and Your Child: Insights from Family Support Working alongside families to build confidence, strengthen relationships, and support children’s development and wellbeing.

What's On RolePlay Magazine Live Service Updates Dates for Your Diary Bookable Activities Holiday Activities Autumn '26 - Issue 59 Read Listening & Learning If your child is aged 0-8, what matters most to you in making Waltham Forest a great place for them to live? Your Voice Our Community Drop Your Ideas Here! Building A Brighter Future Calendar View and book activities Check our Live Service Updates before travelling! Check Here Scroll to see more Walthamstow Chingford Leytonstone Leyton Bookable on Eventbrite Click link in event details Bookable Activities View our bookable activities with limited spaces. Also viewable on our calendar, above. View Role play Edition 59. Autumn 2026 Our termly magazine full of interesting local stories, events and campaigns, plus our activities timetable. Read Dates for Your Diary View Important dates such as closures, holidays and training days School Holiday Activity Timetable View Live Service Updates Planned Closures None Dates Follow us on our socials for updates on scheduled activities and sessions

Fees and Charges Private children's parties and functions Standard Rate £175 per hour (£150 for community room/inside space) Bookings enquiry Optional charitable donations: £50, £75, £100 or other. 100% of this optional donation is invested back into making Grow Wild sustainable for the community. School and nursery hire Minimum hire: 1.5 hour session - 25 children £150 Addtional children charged at £8 per head Maximum capacity - 30 children Additional hours: Each additional hour £150 Addtional children charged at £8 per head per hour Bookings enquiry

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Find out why the Lloyd Park Chidlren's Charity is a great place to work. See our benefits packages and our ethos surrounding recruiting a diverse and reprensentative workforce. Why work for us? Make a real difference to the lives of local children! What we do Lloyd Park Children's Charity was founded over 40yrs ago to support equity and justice for children and families in Waltham Forest and beyond. We strive to understand childrens' individuality, working with their parents to help them reach their full potential. Benefits package Up to 30 days holiday Excellent pension scheme Benenden Health Care membership 24/7 GP advice and psychological wellbeing helplines Diagnostic services, treatment and surgery Access to rewards and voucher schemes 50% discount on childcare - for eligbile staff, subject to availability Outstanding training & development opportunities Subsidised hot lunch I n c l u s i v e H i r i n g We were founded by local people who wanted to make a real difference, so we greatly value the diverse perspectives and living experience that local people can bring to our teams. We actively encourage candidates to apply for positions who reflect our local community's diverse range of cultures, backgrounds and demographics. Our Values Our values guide us as we support social change and justice for children, informing how we communicate within communities and with each other. Each value is a challenge that we seek to live and work to every day. Read More A fair, healthy and rewarding workplace Our colleagues are valued for being themselves and are treated as equals A culture of collaboration and respect is the norm You'll always be listened to in a safe and nurturing space Professional and personal development will help you to flourish and do your best work Share our values? Want to make a difference? Apply Now ! View Jobs

Supporting Our Work We help 1000s of families every year with your support! Baby Bank Wishlist Our wishlist is a great way to quickly gift newborns and toddlers in need with the essentials, giving them the best possible start in life! Donate now Donate now Please donate to help keep our doors open for families in crisis! We receive no funding for this lifeline service. Baby Bank Appeal Your support goes a really long way! There are loads of ways to support us including making a donation, attending an event, fundraising, volunteering or partnering your business with us. Whichever way you choose you'll be helping us to reach thousands of vulnerable children and their families every year! Make a donation Every penny helps to sustain our work with marginalised children, giving a little more hope for those in urgent need! Donate now Business Partnerships Discover why supporting us can benefit your business, how you can get involved, and the difference we can make together. Explore Other ways to help Volunteering opportunities for individuals and companies keep Baby Bank going! Learn More

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Ready for School: Outcomes and Impact Overview The Ready for School (RFS) programme is a relationship-based early intervention designed to support children and families as they transition into Reception. The programme is delivered to a cohort of children living in a community ranked in the top 20% most deprived nationally according to the Index of Multiple Deprivation (IMD), meaning that all participating children experience socioeconomic disadvantage. Led by an experienced early years teacher, the programme combines small group work, home-based and school-based support, and community activities to strengthen communication, social skills, and independence in line with the Early Years Foundation Stage and help for children to develop the skills and confidence needed for a successful start at school. Alongside this, the programme provides wider family support, working with parents on a range of practical and emotional issues that may affect children’s development. This includes helping families to build routines, access support, and create positive home learning environments. By strengthening parental confidence and engagement, the programme supports families to embed learning into everyday life. Context and Data Considerations Outcomes from 2019 to 2021 reflect a period of significant disruption due to the COVID-19 pandemic. During this time, access to early education, childcare, and support services was limited, and opportunities for in-person delivery were reduced. As a result, data from this period is presented for completeness but is not directly comparable to later cohorts. The analysis therefore focuses on outcomes from 2021 onwards, when programme delivery stabilised and families experienced more consistent support. Outcomes and Progress Over Time Good Level of Development (GLD) is the national measure used at the end of the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) to assess school readiness. A child is considered to have achieved a GLD when they meet the expected level of development in the key areas of learning, including communication and language, personal, social and emotional development, physical development, literacy and mathematics. Achieving a GLD indicates that a child has developed the foundational skills, knowledge and behaviours needed to make a successful transition into primary school. The Good Level of Development (GLD) rate across the programme shows a clear trajectory of improvement. From 2019 to 2021, outcomes were significantly below national expectations, with GLD rates of 40% and 30% respectively. From 2021 onwards, there is a marked and sustained improvement, with outcomes ranging between 75% and 100%. This upward trend demonstrates both programme maturity and increasing effectiveness over time, particularly given the high level of disadvantage within the cohort. Benchmarking and Comparative Performance The programme’s post-pandemic performance compares favourably with local and national benchmarks. GLD Benchmark Comparison (2021–2025) The most recent national data shows that approximately 68% of children in England achieve a Good Level of Development. Against this benchmark, the Ready for School programme achieves an average of 79%, placing it above national performance and broadly in line with or exceeding both London and local authority averages. This comparison is particularly significant given that all participating children are drawn from communities experiencing high levels of deprivation. While national and regional benchmarks include children from a wide range of socioeconomic backgrounds, the Ready for School cohort represents a consistently disadvantaged group. Outcomes at this level therefore indicate strong programme impact and suggest that children are being supported to reach levels of development comparable with, or exceeding, their peers. Current Cohort and Emerging Outcomes The most recent data, based on teacher assessment, indicates that outcomes remain strong. In the current class cohort, 62% of children are predicted to achieve GLD, while children participating in the Ready for School programme are predicted to achieve 71% GLD. This difference suggests that children engaged in the programme are continuing to outperform their peers, providing evidence of ongoing added value. The previous cohort achieved 69% GLD, which aligns with the sustained improvement seen in recent years. Outcomes Across Groups Analysis by key groups highlights important patterns in programme impact. Interpreting Impact The programme's outcomes provide strong evidence that children are making progress towards key developmental milestones. Improvements in school readiness are not only reflected in overall Good Level of Development (GLD) outcomes but also demonstrate progress in the fundamental areas of communication and language, personal, social and emotional development, and learning behaviours that underpin later educational success. Children eligible for Pupil Premium achieve slightly higher GLD rates (61%) than those not eligible (54%), indicating that the programme is successfully supporting children facing economic disadvantage to reach important developmental milestones and narrow gaps in attainment. Children with English as an Additional Language achieve particularly strong outcomes (69%), outperforming their non-EAL peers. This suggests that the programme is having a positive impact on communication and language development. The programme's emphasis on home learning, parent-child interaction and parental engagement appears to be effectively supporting children's language acquisition, confidence and readiness for school. Outcomes for children with SEND remain lower, reflecting the higher level of need within this group. While this is consistent with national trends, it also highlights an important area for continued development. Future work will focus on strengthening tailored support and identifying additional measures that capture the significant developmental progress made by children whose achievements may not be fully reflected through GLD outcomes alone. The strength of these outcomes is particularly significant when considered in context. All participating children live in an area of high deprivation, and many experience multiple and overlapping risk factors known to impact early childhood development. Despite these challenges, the programme consistently supports children to make progress towards age-related developmental expectations and key milestones associated with school readiness. Since 2021, outcomes have improved steadily and now meet or exceed national expectations. This suggests that the programme is effectively addressing barriers to development through its focus on parental confidence, relationship-based practice and high-quality support for learning in the home environment. These are all recognised protective factors that contribute to positive developmental outcomes. The stronger outcomes achieved by participating children when compared with the wider cohort provide further evidence that the intervention is making a measurable and meaningful difference. The programme is not only contributing to improved educational outcomes but is also supporting the developmental foundations that enable children to thrive beyond the early years. Conclusion The Ready for School programme demonstrates a clear pattern of improvement in outcomes over time, with particularly strong performance in the post-pandemic period. Results show that children supported through the programme achieve levels of school readiness that compare favourably with local and national benchmarks, despite living in significantly disadvantaged circumstances. Evidence suggests that the programme is successfully supporting children to achieve the key developmental milestones, particularly in relation to communication and language development, parental engagement, learning behaviours and overall school readiness. Continued development, particularly in relation to SEND outcomes, will further strengthen the evidence base and support ongoing improvement. Ready for School has also been recognised within independent research exploring effective early years practice, where it is included as an example of delivery contributing to strong outcomes within the local system (www.funding-futures.org/home).

Partner with us Change a child's life We can build brighter futures together! By partnering with us you'll be supporting our mission to build brighter futures for children across East London facing the challenges of living in poverty. Your company could play a key role in helping us create positives changes for families. Whether you'd like to donate, fundraise for us or share your expertise, there are lots of ways you could support our mission! Get in touch Ways to get involved Donate Volunteering Payroll Giving Staff Fundraising We support hundreds of families each year yet we receive no statutory funding. Every pound you donate goes to sustaining our services supporting children in the most need. Corporation-tax relief: Claim tax relief for charitable donations of money, equipment, sponsorship and more GOV.UK Donate Volunteers are the heartbeat of our work. By volunteering with us your team can support local families, meet new people and gain new skills. Your expert skills could help us on a pro bono basis with a range of topics including finance, marketing, law, data protection, the environment or health & wellbeing. Learn More Payroll giving schemes can be set up easily, they're HMRC-backed and give employees immediate tax benefit by donating to our charity from their gross wage before tax. Schemes are usually free to set up through an HMRC-approved Payroll Giving Agency (PGA). Read our policy on using links to 3rd party sites GOV.UK Offer your staff fun opportunities to fundraise for us. Whether it's coffee mornings, social events or physical challenges, your team can do lots to help us support the most in-need children. Consider match-funding your team's efforts if you can. It will double the impact of your company's fundraising! Learn more Read our policy on using links to 3rd party sites We'd love to hear your ideas for making a difference and increasing our social impact together! Get in touch