The Scrutiny Committee of Kent County Council met on Wednesday, 23 September 2026, to discuss the impact, effectiveness, and sustainability of Kent Family Hubs. The committee noted the report and acknowledged concerns regarding provision for older children and young people, while also recognising the positive work being undertaken to support younger families.

Kent Family Hubs - Impact, Effectiveness and Sustainability

The committee reviewed a report detailing the Kent Family Hubs model, which has replaced the previous Children's Centre and Youth Centre provision. Officers explained that Family Hubs offer a whole-family approach for children aged 0-19, and up to 25 for those with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND). This model integrates various services, including parenting support, mental health services, and SEND information, through a network of physical hubs, outreach, digital services, and co-location with partners like libraries.

A key point of discussion was the difficulty in directly comparing the Family Hubs model with the previous Children's Centre model due to significant differences in scope, age range, funding, and reporting requirements. Officers highlighted that while the previous model was more universal, the current Family Hub model is more targeted, potentially reaching fewer individuals overall but focusing on those with the greatest need.

Key areas of discussion and findings included:

• Outcomes for Children and Families: Kent's Good Level of Development (GLD) rate for early years children increased from 68.9% in 2025 to 74% in 2026, with a notable improvement for children eligible for free school meals. The Early Writing Project, delivered in 25 schools, also showed positive results, contributing to a 12.3 percentage-point increase in GLD outcomes. However, officers stressed that these improvements are influenced by a wider system of support and cannot be solely attributed to Family Hubs.
• Performance Measures and Effectiveness: The Department for Education's management information return provides data on various aspects of Family Hub activity, including service delivery, workforce, reach, and parent/child outcomes. In the first quarter of 2026-27, 9,594 unique users accessed Family Hubs, with significant engagement in services like Stay and Play and the EasyPeasy parenting app. While some interventions, such as the Strengthening Family Relationships programme, have demonstrated positive outcomes and repeat engagement, comprehensive data on population-level impact and direct comparisons with previous models are still under development. A new performance framework is being established to create robust baselines and track trends.
• Reaching Families with Greatest Need: Kent employs a multi-faceted approach to identify and engage families with the greatest needs. This includes analysing community profiles, gathering intelligence from partners, and utilising Parent Carer Panels for qualitative feedback. The independent 31Ten review identified barriers such as transport, working hours, digital exclusion, and fear of judgement. In response, Kent has adapted its approach through targeted outreach, co-location with trusted community settings, and flexible delivery methods, including digital services and evening sessions.
• Support for Older Children and Young People: Concerns were raised about the provision for children aged over eight and young people. Officers explained that Family Hubs offer targeted youth provision, online safety programmes, SEND support up to age 25, and mental health signposting. Data from January to June 2026 showed significant engagement in activities for older children and young people, including youth voice sessions and online safety programmes. However, members expressed concern that reductions in youth provision had created gaps for older teenagers.
• Accessibility and Consistency: Kent's Family Hubs operate with a defined core offer and common service standards, with local delivery adapted through district planning, outreach, and digital access. The 31Ten review highlighted transport and rural access as key barriers, leading to increased use of network sites, libraries, and community venues. Digital services are seen as complementary to face-to-face support, with a growing social media presence and website engagement. A Quality Assurance Framework is in place to ensure consistent standards across the county.
• Impact on Demand for Intensive Services: Family Hubs aim to reduce the need for more intensive services by providing earlier support. While it is difficult to attribute changes in demand for Children's Social Care or SEND support solely to Family Hubs, data shows significant engagement with SEND-related interventions within the hubs, suggesting a contribution to earlier support.
• Sustainability and Funding: Family Hubs are primarily funded through a Department for Education grant, with Kent County Council making a smaller financial contribution. The grant supports a three-year programme with clear financial and operational expectations. The impact of Local Government Reorganisation (LGR) on future service delivery is uncertain, as detailed arrangements have not yet been determined.

Following the discussion, members welcomed the report and acknowledged the positive work being done, particularly for younger families. However, significant concerns were raised regarding the provision for older children and young people, and the need for greater visibility of existing youth and outreach services. Members also emphasised the importance of face-to-face engagement and cautioned against over-reliance on digital provision. The committee noted the report, with officers confirming that they would circulate the Family Hub directory to members and continue to promote awareness of available services.

Work Programme

The committee also noted the Work Programme for future meetings, acknowledging that the next meeting contained several substantial items that might require additional time for full consideration.