'The NCB Summit: A shared vision from conception to reception' brought together senior representatives from across the sector to discuss and share priorities to improve services and outcomes for babies, young children and their families.
One of the co-facilitators at the event was NCB's Assistant Director - Innovation and Systems, Sophie Woodhead, formerly Assistant Director of the Lambeth Early Action Partnership (LEAP), which NCB hosted for ten years until March 2025. Here, Sophie reflects on the key messages from the Summit and offers her own learnings from LEAP's successes in creating positive change in Lambeth.
Sophie Woodhead, NCB Assistant Director - Innovation and Systems, addressing the NCB Summit on 14 May 2025
On 14 May 2025, I had the privilege of attending the NCB Summit, where over 100 senior leaders from across the early years sector convened to shape a shared vision for early childhood. The atmosphere was one of collective purpose and urgency, as we grappled with the question: What does it really take to build a system that delivers for early childhood?
The Summit underscored a vital truth: while individual services are essential, they are not sufficient. To truly support children and families, we need a joined-up, community-rooted system that works cohesively across sectors. This means integrating health, early education, local government, the voluntary and community sector, and- most importantly - families themselves.
A sector united in support
The Opportunity Mission, and specifically the work of the Best Start in Life pillar, provides a very promising vision for childhood. The collective support during the event demonstrates the sector-wide support of this direction of travel. However, as highlighted in NCB's response to the Spring Statement, "children and families need more than just words".
Lessons from LEAP
When considering how to build a system for early childhood, I was invited to share some key reflections from LEAP to set the scene. LEAP was part of the A Better Start initiative funded by The National Lottery Community Fund and offers valuable insights into building such a system. Over the past decade, LEAP has demonstrated the power and complexity of system-building. Here are four key reflections from our experience:
- Inclusive governance: LEAP embedded co-governance from the start, with parents as part of the board, co-chaired by Lambeth Council and NCB. This inclusive leadership structure fostered shared decision-making and accountability, keeping families at the centre of the work.
- Community engagement: LEAP's approach shifted from labelling families as "hard to reach" to meeting them where they are. By building relationships in trusted places with trusted people, such as community connectors and parent champions, LEAP effectively engaged communities.
- Shared data systems: Integrating data across the ecosystem allowed professionals to track outcomes and plan support in a joined-up way. This not only facilitated service delivery but also supported system learning and evaluation.
- Strong partnerships: LEAP's progress resulted from mature, trusting, and consistent partnerships across organisations. From capital developments that improved family spaces to integrated pathways between midwifery, health visiting, and mental health services, collaboration was key.
This vision requires sustained investment and commitment from all stakeholders.
The imperative of funding
While the sector is ready to work in partnership to deliver change, commitment on funding in the upcoming Spending Review is essential. As NCB has emphasised, we must avoid returning to austerity measures that disproportionately impact children in the most deprived areas.
Moving forward together
The NCB Summit was a testament to the sector's dedication to early childhood development. By embracing inclusive governance, engaging communities, integrating data systems, and fostering strong partnerships, we can build a system that truly delivers for early childhood.
This vision, however, requires sustained investment and commitment from all stakeholders, and that includes the government.
Read more about the NCB Summit
Read the reflections of Clare Law, Director of Blackpool Better Start