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early intervention

19 stories · discussed at 14 council meetings · 19 councils

Councils are currently focusing on enhancing early intervention in children's services, including SEND support, and integrating preventative health and wellbeing initiatives.

Councils are enhancing support for children and families, with Southwark Council expanding inclusion hubs in secondary schools for SEND reform in October 2026. In September 2026, Wandsworth Council faced pressure in SEND services, while Redbridge Council's Cabinet approved a new Children's Social Care Sufficiency Strategy. Hackney Council also implemented its Families First Partnership Programme in September 2026, overhauling children's social care to prioritise early intervention, which means providing support at the earliest stage to prevent issues escalating.

Local authorities are also focusing on preventative health. Ealing Council approved a £60 million Better Care Fund plan for 2026/27 in September 2026, aiming for integrated and preventative health and social care. Havering Council agreed to review its mental wellbeing support services in September 2026. Kensington and Chelsea Council is investing in early intervention services for young people's mental health, addressing long waiting times, as discussed in July 2026.

Looking ahead, Brent Council's Cabinet approved the insourcing of Best Start Family Hubs support services from April 1, 2027, to create an integrated council-led Family Hub and Early Help model, decided in September 2026. This follows Waltham Forest Council's Cabinet approving a £75.8 million contract for children's health services in June 2026 to enhance early intervention and support for young people.

Key facts

  1. Southwark Council is expanding inclusion hubs in secondary schools as part of SEND reform. Source
  2. Wandsworth Council's Children's Overview and Scrutiny Committee discussed proposals to safeguard children's services amidst budget overspends. Source
  3. Redbridge Council's Cabinet approved the Children's Social Care Sufficiency Strategy 2026–2029. Source
  4. Ealing Council approved a £60 million Better Care Fund plan for the 2026/27 financial year. Source
  5. Hackney Council implemented its Families First Partnership Programme, establishing a neighbourhood-based Family Help service. Source 1 Source 2
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 21 October 2026. Spotted a mistake? Email community@opencouncil.network.

Stories, page 2

  1. Council to review mental wellbeing support Havering Council has agreed to undertake a comprehensive review of its mental wellbeing support services, aiming to pinpoint existing gaps, overlaps and opportunities for... Havering 8 September 2026
  2. One in three young people miss out on mental health support One in three young people miss out on vital mental health support Kensington and Chelsea 25 July 2026
  3. Bexley Council Adopts New Community Safety Strategy Focused on Prevention and Intervention Bexley Council has formally adopted a new community safety strategy, aiming to bolster crime prevention and early intervention efforts across the borough. Bexley 17 July 2026
  4. Newham's neighbourhood health approach to tackle inequalities Newham Council is implementing a comprehensive neighbourhood health approach to tackle health inequalities across the borough, with a focus on prevention and bringing care... Newham 30 June 2026
  5. Health and Wellbeing Board to Review Future Direction and Scope Amidst Shifting Landscape The Hammersmith and Fulham Health and Wellbeing Board is set to review its future direction and operational scope in response to significant shifts within the health and social... Hammersmith and Fulham 26 June 2026
  6. Youth justice service highlights significant health needs Young people in contact with Hammersmith and Fulham's Youth Justice Service (YJS) are experiencing significant health needs, including a high prevalence of mental health issues,... Hammersmith and Fulham 26 June 2026
  7. SEND Reforms Face Funding and Workforce Challenges Amidst Growing Deficit Concerns over funding and workforce capacity are casting a shadow over the implementation of Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) reforms, according to discussions... Kensington and Chelsea 10 June 2026
  8. Waltham Forest Council Approves £75.8 Million Contract for Children's Health Services Waltham Forest Council's Cabinet has approved a significant £75.8 million contract for children's health services, a move designed to enhance early intervention and support for... Waltham Forest 6 June 2026