LEAP’s learning event

What’s changed for babies, children and families in Lambeth?

Introduction

The LEAP programme came to an end in September 2024. What a journey it has been. From winning the National Lottery Community Fund — and becoming one of five A Better Start programmes testing new ways of making support and services for families stronger — to investing in infrastructure, adapting to local needs, building partnerships, training workforces, embedding evidence-based models, and navigating the impacts of the pandemic and cost of living crisis.

Shared learning has been central to the LEAP programme. As well as leaving a legacy of services and support to give children a better start in life, we wanted to evidence and share our findings for others to benefit from.

Years of work has culminated in several eye-catching reports, which we presented at our final conference, ’10 Years of LEAP’. We delved into robust evidence about the needs and effective responses for babies, children and families in Lambeth. There were two main objectives:

Dissemination of learning and evidence
Influencing future practice

Throughout the event, speakers referred to the research reports, which we promoted on posters around the hall.

Tables of attendees at LEAP's learning event: 10 years of LEAP — Posters of research reports bordering the hall.

Speakers and guest list

The event was attended by 170 participants across the health, education and Voluntary and Community Sector (VCS). Central government and local authority staff were represented, as well as the Integrated Care Board and funders.

LEAP Director Laura McFarlane addressing the room at LEAP's learning event: 10 years of LEAP — LEAP Director Laura McFarlane addressing the room at LEAP’s learning event: 10 years of LEAP

Programme schedule

Welcome 10.00 - 10.10 Anna Feuchtwang & Dan Stoten Keynote Speech 10.10 - 10.20 Ingrid Wolfe Women’s experiences of Caseload Midwifery 10.20 – 10.30 Various (video) My experience of LEAP 10.30 – 10.40 Sarlascht & Diana The journey of LEAP over 10 years: innovating and developing the system Spotlight on PAIRS as a systems change approach 10.40 - 11.15 Laura McFarlane, Melissa Kelsey, Danny Goldberger BREAK 11.15 - 11.45 Evaluating LEAP: A complex place-based programme 11.45 – 12.00 Finlay Green, Dawn Hart, Anita Kambo, Natoya Whyte, Ela Skowron What changed for children and families? 12.00 – 12.35 Gemma Luck, Dakota Langhals, Sean Manzi Finlay Green Reflections from the room: What stands out for you from what you have heard this morning? 12.35 – 12.45 Anna Feuchtwang Lunch 12.45 – 13.45 My experience of LEAP 13.45 – 13.55 Richard & Michelle How did LEAP achieve outcomes for children and families? 13.55 – 14.45 Finlay Green, Rowan Ferguson, Davina Belcher, Megan Keenan, Tim Hobbs Visioning: What do the recommendations mean for a child born in Lambeth in 2030? 14.45 – 15.45 Dan Stoten, Kieran Ferdinand Group work Feedback and final recommendations 15.45 – 16.00 Dan Stoten & Sophie Woodhead BREAK 16.00 – 16.20 Closing Speeches 16.20 – 17.00 Reception 17.00 – 18.00

Key findings and messages

2.5-year-olds, who engaged with LEAP, were 40% more likely to develop to expected levels than their non-engaged peers.
Parents’ and carers’ mental health and wellbeing improved by 12% (greatest gains in the most deprived areas).
Parents’ and carers’ knowledge, skills and behaviour increased by 5% (greatest gains in the most deprived areas).
Success hinged on how effectively LEAP’s holistic practice connected different parents and carers to the support they needed and wanted, provided them with choices, and facilitated relationships with other parents and carers.
Racially minoritised groups, refugees, immigrants, and those experiencing deprivation — especially inadequate housing — often faced systemic barriers that limited the impact of holistic practice.
Nationally, LEAP, NCB, and other ABS sites influenced the design and implementation of the Family Hubs and Start for Life programme.

A speaker at LEAP's learning event: 10 years of LEAP

Parent testimonies

As a parent with a child with special education needs, I realised my local Stay and Play didn’t have much for all children. With LEAP help, I applied for funding and was awarded with £2,000 which I used to purchase diverse books and sensory toys. I also got the parents to get involved and lead the group each week. Working with LEAP gave me the courage to return to college and acquire my Early Years Educator Level 3 qualifications and now work in a primary school.

Diana Agbeve joined LEAP as a Parent Representative in 2017

As a result of our involvement with LEAP, I have witnessed significant positive changes in my daughter. She has become more confident, curious, and socially engaged. The key takeaway from my journey with LEAP is the power of holistic community support. The knowledge, skills, and friendships I have gained through this experience have been transformative. LEAP has not only helped my child but has also enriched my life and strengthened our family.

Cara has been a LEAP Parent Champion, Parent Befriender and Food Ambassador. She has also made a difference to the lives of young parents through the Young Parents Hub.

During my pregnancy, I worked with three LEAP midwives, but one in particular provided consistent support throughout. This continuity was invaluable, allowing us to build a strong, trusting relationship. Together, we developed a birth plan, which was approved by a consultant at St. Thomas’. I truly believe this plan saved me from potential trauma, giving me control and clarity at a time when I needed it most. The activities LEAP provided for my son — from baby to now toddler groups — have fostered his development in ways that have exceeded my expectations. His communication, physical skills, and ability to follow instructions have flourished.

Sarlascht believes that programmes like LEAP help to build stronger, more connected families and a healthier, more resilient society.

I have now returned to work but have maintained lifelong friendships developed through LEAP and my kids are happily settled in school and Nursery. They both transitioned into school with ease. I am certain that their participation in LEAP initiatives and activities helped them build their language skills, vocabulary and confidence. They are thriving in comparison to some of their peers who didn’t have the same opportunity.

Mellissa’s journey with LEAP started in 2019 when she was expecting her second child. She credits LEAP for helping her avoid gestational diabetes. She also found LEAP’s support invaluable during the 2020 lockdowns when she was expecting her third child.

I became one of LEAP’s Parent Representatives and experienced co-production and partnership in a meaningful way. This led me to feel my voice was being heard and to see the impact it made in action. The professional mentoring that I had as part of the Parent Rep experience got me back to work. My increased confidence led me to become the parent representative on the First5Lambeth working group having direct influence on the development of the consortium.

Bel felt isolated and low in confidence when Covid hit, leaving her and her little ones alone as her husband was in lockdown abroad. She feels that LEAP’s activities and support kept her going and brought her out of her shell.

A parent giving testimony of her experience of LEAP at LEAP's learning event: 10 years of LEAP

Recommendations

Invest in support for early childhood.
Build a network of connecting infrastructure and activities for families, community workers and practitioners.
Early years funding should be pooled, place-based and long-term.
Invest in the early years workforce.
Develop an early years data infrastructure.
Reducing poverty should be a national priority.

For an in-depth analysis of our findings and recommendations, read the evaluation of LEAP (pdf).