What change looks like for children and families
Across the places we work, Thrive at Five supports families and local partners to create the conditions children need to thrive. Our impact is seen in children’s development, parents’ confidence, and stronger early years systems working together around families.
Stoke-on-Trent
Good Level of Development scores have improved in Stoke-on-Trent
Finalised EYFS data shows an improvement in the proportion of children reaching a Good Level of Development in Stoke-on-Trent. This reflects sustained, place-based work with families and partners to strengthen early years support over time.
19%
reduction in severe language delay
In 2021, 39% of children in Thrive at Five areas in Stoke-on-Trent had severe delays in their speech and language development when they started school reception.
We introduced the Talking Time intervention in nurseries in 2023 and there was a reduction in the number of children starting school with severe language delays from 39% to 19%. Overall, 71% of children from the 6 schools that delivered Talking Time improved their communication and language skills.
62%
increase in children whose language skills were not a cause for concern
We have supported delivery of the Nuffield Early Language Intervention (NELI) early language programme across our 7 schools in Stoke-on-Trent since 2022.
5x
increase in parent, baby and toddler groups
With our partners, we have increased the number of parent, baby and toddler support groups in Stoke-on-Trent five-fold. This increases the overall capacity, alongside existing groups, to provide enough sessions spaces per week for more than 50% of parents of zero to twos.
700+
organisations and professionals
100+ organisations and 600+ professionals working with us to support children in Stoke-on-Trent and Redcar & Cleveland
We are helping to connect and convene a network of early years organisations and professionals in our pathfinder sites, through our events with international experts and information sharing to strengthen practice and knowledge for the long-term.
Redcar & Cleveland
Implementation in Redcar & Cleveland is at an early stage, but our independent evaluation from the Centre for Evidence and Implementation has shown there is evidence of stronger relationships across organisations, improved understanding of available services, new partnerships developing as well as engagement with parents who have been distant from services.
1792
parents engaged
During January to March 2026, Thrive at Five’s first quarter working in Redcar & Cleveland, we engaged 1,792 times with parents in wards including Kirkleatham, Grangetown, South Bank, Eston and Dormanstown.
17
week perinatal mental health campaign
From May – August 2025 Thrive at Five ran a digital campaign to raise awareness on perinatal mental health support in the area, receiving over 13,500 views.
All services have been trying to get it right for parents and that is where Thrive at Five comes in to give us the time and space to support families."
Graeme Nicholson, Redcar & Cleveland Borough Council
It has been amazing having the Thrive at Five team supporting the group and providing our parents with advice and guidance to support their babies. It's been incredibly beneficial."
Thrive at Five has been a lifeline to me, I wouldn't be the outgoing, confident mum I am today without the support of Parent Connectors."
Redcar & Cleveland parent
How we evaluate and learn
Data and evidence guides our work
Data and evidence are embedded throughout everything we do. Each programme begins with a discovery phase, working with local partners to analyse need, map existing assets and engage families. We use data throughout delivery to inform decision-making, strengthen practice and support continuous improvement.
How we are independently evaluated
Our approach is externally evaluated by the Centre for Evidence and Implementation, with support from the Nuffield Foundation. In England, one of the ways we measure progress is through the proportion of children reaching a Good Level of Development at age five, alongside other local indicators and qualitative insight.