Senior representatives from the Department for Education (DfE) and national government departments visited Wolverhampton yesterday (Monday 17 August) to see at first hand how the city is delivering innovative support for children, young people and families through its Families First for Children Pathfinder programme.
Hosted at the Best Start Family Hub in Graiseley, the visit showcased Wolverhampton’s work as one of the country’s first Families First for Children Pathfinder authorities, highlighting the city’s collaborative approach to improving outcomes for children and families.
Representatives from the Department for Education were joined by colleagues from NHS England, the Ministry of Justice, the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government, and the Department for Work and Pensions to explore how services across Wolverhampton work together to provide joined up support.
The delegation met frontline practitioners and service leaders, learning about the city’s Multi Agency Child Protection Team (MACPT) and Families Working Together approach, which helps strengthen family networks and delivers tailored support to families at the earliest opportunity.
Throughout the visit, guests heard directly from practitioners about how multi agency teams work together to safeguard children, support families and improve decision making. They also explored how Family Network Support Packages help families build on their own strengths and relationships, enabling children to remain safely connected to their wider family and community networks.
The programme included discussions on multi agency child protection practice, integrated family support, partnership working with health services, and the role of Best Start Family Hubs in providing accessible, co-ordinated support for local families.
Councillor Jacqui Coogan, Cabinet Member for Children, Young People and Education, said: “We are delighted to welcome colleagues from the Department for Education and our national partners to Wolverhampton. This visit is a fantastic opportunity to showcase the dedication of our practitioners and partners, who work tirelessly to support children and families across the city.
“As one of the very first Families First for Children Pathfinder pilot local authority, Wolverhampton is helping to shape the future of children’s services nationally. We are proud of the progress we have made through our multi agency approach and our commitment to ensuring children receive the right help at the right time.”
Alison Hinds, Executive Director of Families, City of Wolverhampton Council, said: “The visit provided an opportunity to demonstrate how partners across Wolverhampton are working together to deliver meaningful change for families. Through our Family Hub model, Families Working Together programme and Multi Agency Child Protection Team, we are creating stronger, more connected services that place children and families at the centre of everything we do.
“We were pleased to share our learning and experience with colleagues from across government and to highlight the positive impact these reforms are having for local families.”
The visit forms part of ongoing national learning from the Families First for Children Pathfinder programme, with Wolverhampton recognised for its strong practice, particularly in family network support and multi agency child protection arrangements.