Better Start Bradford works with expectant families and families with children aged 0-3 in Bowling and Barkerend, Bradford Moor and Little Horton to help give children the best possible start in life. To do this we’ve developed and commissioned a range of innovative projects, all of which address one or more of the following themes:
Working alongside a host of local partners – both organisations and individuals – we aim to leave a lasting legacy for children, families and the whole area.
We are funded by The National Lottery Community Fund, using National Lottery funding, for 10 years (until 2025) and are governed by a Partnership Board. Our work is being evaluated by Born in Bradford.
Our vision and mission are as follows:
Children across our part of Bradford and beyond have the best possible start in life, in terms of their health, wellbeing and life chances, forming the cornerstone of strong, happy communities.
To work with families and partners to improve the life chances of children in our part of Bradford, through a comprehensive programme focused on improving health, social and emotional development and communication, and to share lessons from this to promote wider change.
See who makes up the Better Start Bradford team and how to get in touch with us
Meet The TeamType in your postcode here to see if you're in our area.
Use our postcode checkerWe’re part of a network of five ‘A Better Start’ programmes around the UK funded by The National Lottery Community Fund:
– Small Steps Big Changes (Nottingham)
– LEAP (Lambeth)
– A Better Start Southend
– Blackpool Better Start
A Better Start is all about using evidence and community and partner engagement to ensure children under four have the best possible start in life.
It’s based on the idea that the first four years of child’s life (pregnancy to fourth birthday) are especially critical, because a child’s brain develops so quickly in this time. Through good health, social and emotional development, and communication, children’s chances of a healthy, prosperous, happy life are massively improved. This is important for the sake of children and families, and it makes our communities stronger as a whole.
A Better Start is being evaluated by a consortium led by Warwick University, so we can learn long-term lessons about what works in supporting families with young children.