Best Start

In 2002 the Victorian government launched the Best Start initiative with the aim of supporting families, carergivers and communities to provide the best possible environment, experiences and care for young children in the important years from pregnancy to school. In 2006 Nillumbik Shire Council was allocated Best Start funds to engage and support parents, families, local services and communities in a collaborative local planning partnership approach. The approach focused on changing the ways existing services are provided in Nillumbik with the aim of improving outcomes for children related to health and well being, learning and development and safety.

To ensure increased integration and coordination of services and long term sustainability Best Start aims to build on existing networks and early years partnerships such as those developed through the Municipal Early Years Plan. Whilst the Municipal Early Years Plan provides a strategic framework for the planning and provision of services for children and their families, Best Start is focused on improving those services resulting in positive outcomes for children and families.

Best Start aims
The aim of Best Start is to improve the health, development, learning and well being of all Victorian children by supporting parents, families, service providers and communities to improve early years services so they meet the needs of the local community. Best Start has a strong emphasis on prevention and early intervention. Improvements in services are expected to result in:

• better access to child and family support, health services and early education
• improvements in parents capacity, confidence and enjoyment of family life
• communities that are more child and family friendly