Cabinet approves proposals for service transformation programme to support a new child-friendly Shropshire

Shropshire Council’s Cabinet yesterday (Wednesday 10 June 2026) approved proposals for a transformation of children’s services that will help make a more child-friendly Shropshire.

The transformation programme, which reflects changes to government statutory requirements affecting children’s services nationwide, will see a new focus on prevention, and on greater collaboration between agencies and services to ensure a smoother experience for families needing support.

It will affect services for children aged 0 to 18 as well as young adults with SEND up to age 25. By making the right help available, at the right time, where it is needed, it will be possible to intervene and support families earlier, addressing problems before they escalate into crisis.

Services including health, education, social care and community partners will work closely together to provide one joined-up support system across Shropshire, with Family Hubs and local multi-agency teams providing support directly in the communities where it is needed. The aim is to help improve the number of Shropshire children starting school having met their development milestones and reduce the number of children in care.

The programme will also help Shropshire Council meet the objectives of its corporate and improvement plans by improving the health of Shropshire communities and making the council more sustainable financially.

An early stage of the programme, delivery of which was also approved by the Cabinet, will be a series of Best Start in Life Family Hubs in Shrewsbury, Oswestry and Ludlow, expected to launch in September. There will also be multi-disciplinary teams delivering in Highley, Market Drayton and South Shropshire. Whilst these sites are critical, the services will also be available to access in a wide range of local community venues and in families’ homes as it is recognised that the rural nature of Shropshire can make it harder for families to access services and support.

Councillor Andy Hall, Shropshire Council’s Cabinet member for children and education, said:

“These government reforms represent the most critical changes within Children’s Services for decades. Thanks to a simpler and more accessible system, children will be able to thrive in their communities and less intensive intervention will be required, creating a better future for Shropshire children, young people and families.”

Read the full report that was presented to Cabinet here.