I am currently Deputy Chief Executive at Family Lives, a national family support charity. My Fellowship explored whether early years home visiting programmes could help to close the school readiness gap, and specifically explored a US programme, ParentChild+. I selected this area to address the injustice that some children start school already behind their peers, with an unequal chance of success.

Following two months in the USA and Ireland to learn about the programme and investigate its appropriateness for the UK context, Family Lives has piloted ParentChild+ in three areas across England, launched delivery in two London boroughs as part of a social impact bond, and secured funding to evaluate the programme in a randomised controlled trial. We have also started delivering in Tower Hamlets. The next step is to roll out a licensed delivery model.

The greatest benefit is that support is brought to families with young children – particularly families who may not access statutory support or attend nurseries. Their children demonstrate measurable increases in communication and social and emotional skills, and start school ready to thrive.