September 2025 - newsletter - Families First Partnership programme
This is the second in a series of newsletters that will provide regular updates to you on the co-design of the Families First children’s social care reforms in Stoke-on-Trent.
The programme is a major government initiative designed to transform how children and families receive support in England: The Families First Partnership (FFP) Programme is set to bring about significant positive changes across Stoke-on-Trent.
Our core objective is to ensure that more families can stay together safely, and children can truly thrive, by providing effective early help, family help, and child protection services. We envision a transformed system where practitioners from social work, police, health, and education work together to promote the well-being of children and keep them safe from harm.
This means a better way for families to access help, avoiding the frustration of not knowing where to go or being passed between different teams. Instead, an integrated, relationship-focused approach that adapts to a family’s changing needs, ensuring consistent relationships with professionals who provide seamless holistic support.
What has been happening?
It's been a very busy time. We have been engaging with our stakeholders on what the FFP Programme means for Stoke-on-Trent.
We have held two workshops for multi-agency professionals looking at how the Integrated Front Door will work within the new model, and how a single assessment and plan could be used across early help, children in need and child protection. We were thrilled to work with 160 professionals across the local authority, education, health, police and the voluntary, community and faith sector.
We have also had dedicated time with key services and partners to discuss the programme and what it might mean for each.
Training
Would you like to know more about the Families First Partnership Programme? We are offering one-hour multi-agency training sessions.
At the end of the session, you should have:
- a basic understanding of the programme and the vision for transformation,
- be aware of the key areas of transformation within the programme,
- become familiar with the language and terminology of the programme,
- Understand where to go for further information, and to become involved in engagement activities being delivered.
Training can be booked via the Stoke-on-Trent Safeguarding Children Partnership training booking page here.
Read more about the families first partnership in the Families first partnership briefing note.