Families First
Redbridge Council is integrating schools into its Families First programme to enhance early intervention for children and families.
Redbridge's Families First programme is integrating schools more closely into its child support system to improve early intervention and safeguarding for children and families. The initiative, which has been in place for one year, has shown promising results in streamlining services and providing more consistent support, according to a September 2026 story.
Schools are identified as a key route for identifying emerging needs, and an enhanced "front door" for the Families First programme makes it easier for them to direct referrals. This simplifies a process that previously required schools to determine the appropriate pathway for a child's needs.
The Families First programme is a national initiative focused on delivering earlier, more joined-up support to children and families, aiming to reform children's social care through early intervention and prevention.
Key facts
- Redbridge's Families First programme is integrating schools more closely into its child support system. Source
- The initiative aims to improve early intervention and safeguarding for children and families. Source
- The Families First programme in Redbridge has been in place for one year. Source
- An enhanced "front door" makes it easier for schools to direct referrals. Source
About this summary
This summary was written automatically from our published stories and the council meeting records they draw on. It describes what councils have discussed and decided; it does not take a view on any decision. Each key fact links to the story it comes from. Updated 1 October 2026. Spotted a mistake? Email community@opencouncil.network.