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About Nesta

Nesta is a research and innovation foundation. We apply our deep expertise in applied methods to design, test and scale solutions to some of the biggest challenges of our time, working across the innovation lifecycle.

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In A fairer start

Best Start in Life support
In A fairer start

Best Start in Life support

Practical guidance, tailored support, online resources and evidence-based insights for local authorities implementing Best Start in Life plans.

Local authorities are tasked with delivering a substantial step change in early years outcomes to meet the government’s 75% good level of development target by 2028. Achieving this target requires not just ambitious, credible strategic plans at local authority level, but also effective delivery of these plans.

Nesta is providing a package of support to help local authorities turn Best Start in Life plans into effective action that improves outcomes for children.

Tools and resources

Local data profiles

Access data and insights about early years provision in your area

Best Start in Life playbook

A guide to making evidence-informed choices when delivering Best Start in Life plans

Review parenting programmes

Compare programmes side-by-side for their predicted impact on GLD, strength of evidence and more

Parent engagement playbook

A library of engagement tactics for parenting programmes

Data in the early years: learning from local authorities

Read stories from local authorities using innovative solutions to address common challenges

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We’re happy to provide guidance on how to use these resources and get the most out of them - contact us to discuss.

We've also commissioned Making Evidence Work to offer free coaching and peer mentoring to a small number of Best Start in Life Leads, selected based on local data including GLD outcomes, gaps between disadvantaged children and recent trends.

Browse our Best Start in Life content

A powerful ecosystem for innovation

We extend our impact through two specialised units that help people and organisations to solve complex problems and achieve their goals.

BIT

BIT helps clients from government, nonprofits and the private sector to improve people’s lives through our empirical problem solving and deep understanding of human behaviour.

Challenge Works

Challenge Works designs and runs challenge prizes to spark innovation in science, technology and society.

Local authority digest

Join our local authority mailing list to be the first to hear about new products and developments from Nesta and to receive our regular newsletter showcasing peer learning, insights and guidance on delivering your Best Start in Life local plans.

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