The Family Matters Hubs were developed by social enterprise Indigo Childcare Group in response to the increasing numbers of families it was working with in the Castlemilk area of Glasgow who were experiencing in-work poverty. Using data gathered from families, the group was able to secure funding to employ a dedicated family support co-ordinator (FSC) in 2021.
The FSC has supported more than 90 families this year alone and provided them with tailored, family-centred support which includes free and subsidised childcare places, income maximisation advice and signposting to practical support such as food and utilities vouchers.
Family Matters found that 71 per cent of families they surveyed were afraid to turn on heating. In response, it secured funding to deliver hub events allowing families to access warm spaces, healthy hot meals and essential food and toiletries. Families also received warm bundles that included thermal blankets and hot water bottles and a household item such as a dehumidifier, air fryer or slow cooker.
Practitioners working at the group’s two nurseries say the integration of the family support service has allowed them to focus on their key priorities with the children, confident in the knowledge that the more complex matters that many families are dealing with are also being supported. They also report the value of having a deeper relationship with parents across the team, which has resulted in them being better informed to adapt their approach. The work is being independently evaluated to help inform the Scottish Government’s roll-out of its school-aged childcare policy nationally.
The group has also surveyed families on the cost of living and used the data to influence deeper relationships with housing associations and elected members of the council to further improve access to support.
HIGHLY COMMENDED
The Nursery in Belong, Ready Generations Nursery – Chester
Children and their ‘grand-friends’ live and learn alongside each other at the intergenerational Nursery in Belong, opened in 2022. They share common spaces in the care village, including a library, creative room, garden room and outdoor areas with the aim of improving quality outcomes for children, elders and their families.
The nursery was inspired by how much children and elders have to offer each other and to gain from sharing interests. It has been found to give elders greater purpose and meaning to their lives, while children benefit from nurturing adults, warm friendships and wise role models.
FINALIST
• Pillars of the Community, Smallville Nursery – Kent
CRITERION
Open to early years settings and services who have involved staff, parents and children in projects to support charities or the local/wider community.
