Decision Maker: Cabinet

Outcome: For Determination

Is Key Decision?: Yes

Is Callable In?: No

Date of Decision: January 27, 2026

Purpose: Approve the preferred location for Warwickshire’s first Best Start Family Hub (BSFH), based on strategic need, infrastructure readiness, accessibility, and ownership advantages. Endorse continued strategic planning for further Best Start Family Hubs beyond current DfE timescales.

Content: Resolved   That Cabinet   1)    authorises Hatters Space in Nuneaton as the preferred location for Warwickshire’s first Best Start Family Hub (BSFH);   2)    authorises the Executive Director for Resources, in consultation with the Executive Director for Children and Young People and the Portfolio Holder for Children and Families, to take steps necessary to bring the property into operation as a BSFH, including the commencement of any relevant procurement processes for the provision of the works required at the property and the subsequent award of any contract(s) and entering of any agreements required to give effect to these recommendations on terms and conditions acceptable to the Executive Director for Resources; and   3)    authorises the Executive Director for Children & Young People, in consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Children and Families, to develop and submit to the Department for Education a ‘Best Start in Life’ local plan that identifies local needs and gaps in service provision, with a remit on how joining up services across the sectors of health, education and social care will be developed to strengthen the local Warwickshire offer. This plan will be submitted to the Department for Education (DfE) in March 2026.