Better Start Conference brings national spotlight to Blackpool as hundreds gather to shape the future of early childhood
Blackpool took centre stage as nearly 300 early years professionals, researchers and leaders from across the UK came together for the Better Start Conference at Blackpool Football Club.
Hosted by Better Start - the Blackpool-based team driving pioneering change in early childhood development - the conference marked a major moment for the town, showcasing a decade of innovation that is now influencing national practice.
Delegates heard powerful reflections from local parents, alongside experts in science, policy and child development, who shared their knowledge, experience and passion for improving early childhoods.
The event also provided an opportunity for regional organisations to present their research to a UK-wide audience, including Blackpool Council, University of Lancashire, and Edge Hill University.
Clare Law, Director of Better Start, said:
“Bringing so many people together in Blackpool - all focused on giving babies the best possible start in life - created a real sense of energy and hope. Being in the same room really matters. It reminds us that improving children’s lives happens when people work together, listen to families and step in early with the right support. I’m incredibly grateful to all our speakers, and especially to the local parents who shared their experiences so openly. Their voices grounded the day in what really matters.”
Chaired by Chris Sherwood, CEO of the NSPCC, the agenda featured leading voices in the early years, including Alison Morton, CEO,Institute of Health Visiting; Ben Lewing, Director,Making Evidence Work; andSally Hogg, Executive Director,Start Strong.
Neil Jack, Chief Executive of Blackpool Council, spoke passionately on a panel session about his commitment to the early years:
“The future of this town is about the young people and the families. That makes it my job. I was born here and I want to make sure that our children have the best opportunities in life, and to get the best start in life.”
That commitment was brought to life by local parent Leanne Errington, who spoke openly about the difference early support made for her family.
Leanne shared her personal experiences with the audience about receiving speech and language support for her daughter through Better Start’s home visiting service:
“It’s not about professionals waving a magic wand and fixing all the problems. It’s about working with you, empowering you as a parent to support your child in what they need. Also supporting the whole family. We have one chance at the early years – that’s it. Make it count. If they don’t have that chance like Lottie did, who knows what their future will be.”
Local delegates included colleagues from Blackpool Council, Lancashire Constabulary, Blackpool Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Lancashire and South Cumbria Integrated Care Board.