Nurturing Bright Futures
Dear Families
Welcome to Nurturing Bright Futures. Creating this guide for you has been a labour of love connecting many people all with one aim, to make a difference in children's lives. It's been a privilege to watch our garden grow, from the seed of an idea to the guide you are reading now and we're so proud to share it with you. We hope you find it helpful and inspiring. We hope that it gives you ideas for new activities to try, new games to play, new songs to sing, new stories to share and new places to go, here in Southend-on-Sea, with your children. We hope it reassures you that you're already doing an incredible job building your child's brain through every interaction and every playful moment that you share. There might be days when it doesn't feel like it- but know you are making a difference every single day! Thank you.
The Nurturing Bright Futures Team
“During early childhood, from pregnancy to the age of five, our brains develop at an amazing rate – faster than at any other time in our lives. Our experiences, relationships and surroundings at that very young age, shape the rest of our lives.” (Shaping Us Framework, Royal Foundation for Early Childhood).
Watch the award winning animation here: Shaping Us
Foreword
Liz Hunt, Director of Education, Early Years and Inclusion
At Southend-on-Sea City Council, we believe that every child deserves the strongest start to life and that this begins long before their first day at school.
The early years, from pregnancy to the age of five, lay the foundations for wellbeing, lifelong learning and success. Our ambition, in line with the Government vision of “Giving Every Child the Best Start in Life”, is that every child and young person is nurtured, supported and challenged to develop well and achieve their full potential in welcoming, inspiring and safe environments.
Nurturing Bright Futures is a powerful reflection of our commitment to supporting families, practitioners and communities to nurture these vital early experiences. Developed in partnership with local voices and professionals, this guide offers practical tools and inspiration to help every child thrive.
This document is part of Southend's promise to walk alongside our families, celebrating every small step and supporting every milestone. Together, we can help our children grow into confident and curious learners who are ready not just for school, but for life.
Thank you for all you do to give Southend's children a bright and hopeful future.