Minister Condemns Reform UK's Family Policies as Exclusionary Sham
Early Education Minister Olivia Bailey has launched a scathing attack on Reform UK's "pro-family" policies, labeling them an exclusionary sham that fails to support non-traditional families. The criticism comes as the government prepares to roll out hundreds of new Sure Start-style family centers across England starting Monday.
Inclusive Family Hubs Launch Nationwide
Speaking at the bustling Harmood family hub in Camden, north London, Bailey emphasized her commitment to creating inclusive spaces for all families through the Best Start initiative. "Sure Start is one of our proudest achievements as a Labour party," Bailey declared. "Best Start is central to what we're trying to do as a government. For the first time in a long time, even ever, this is a government that is really focusing on the early years and making sure that we give every child the best possible start in life."
The minister, who adopted two children with her wife and also serves as an equalities minister, expressed deep concern about Reform UK's potential impact on gender equality and LGBTQ+ families. "I do worry about Reform," she stated. "They say that they're the party of the family, but that's a complete sham. They say they support families, but I don't think they support families like mine."
Reform UK's Controversial Appointments and Policies
Bailey pointed to several concerning developments within Reform UK, including:
- The appointment of James Orr, a rightwing theologian who opposes abortion even in cases of rape, incest, or serious health risks
- Remarks by Reform MP Danny Kruger about the UK suffering from "a totally unregulated sexual economy"
- Reform's plans to repeal the Equality Act, which Bailey warned would have "a chilling effect on the rights of women"
"They are not the party that is going to stand up for families like mine, for families of all different shapes and sizes," Bailey asserted. "I do worry that Reform will just turn the clock back."
Best Start Family Hubs: A New Approach
The Harmood family hub represents a model for the first 200 of 1,000 new Best Start family centers scheduled to open across England. These one-stop-shop facilities will provide parents with access to multiple services including:
- Childcare support and resources
- Health services and consultations
- Parenting tips and guidance
- Special educational needs assistance
Ministers have allocated nearly £1 billion in funding for the initiative, with £500 million specifically designated for the family hubs. Unlike the original Sure Start centers that peaked at approximately 3,600 sites under Gordon Brown, the new hubs will collaborate with private and voluntary sector childcare providers while maintaining the same fundamental ambition.
Addressing Early Years Development Concerns
The launch comes amid growing concerns about early childhood development in England. Recent surveys reveal alarming statistics:
- One in four children starting reception in 2025 were not toilet trained
- Only 68.3% of children currently meet school readiness criteria
- The government has set a target of 75% school readiness by 2028
Beginning Monday, local authorities will receive specific statutory targets to improve child development outcomes by 2028. Councils must develop comprehensive Best Start plans detailing how they will collaborate with organizations and fund support for children up to five years old.
Learning from Sure Start's Legacy
Bailey strongly criticized the previous Conservative government's handling of Sure Start centers, more than 1,400 of which were closed from 2010 onward. "It was absolutely criminal what the Conservatives did to Sure Start," she stated. "It gutted the heart out of communities across the country."
Research from the Institute for Fiscal Studies demonstrated significant benefits for children who lived near Sure Start centers during their early years, including:
- Improved GCSE results
- Reduced hospital visits
- Fewer school absences
The new hubs will also play a crucial role in government plans to overhaul support for children with special educational needs, with £200 million allocated to fund a family-facing Send practitioner in every center.
Personal Experience Informs Policy Vision
Drawing from her own experiences as a parent, Bailey shared how her children attended a maintained nursery that was formerly a Sure Start center. "As an LGBT family, I was worried about whether I'd be accepted, but we found a real sense of belonging and community," she revealed. "I got so much strength from the help that I got, and I want that for everyone."
The minister emphasized that Best Start hubs aim to address the fragmentation many parents experience when seeking support. "Parents tell me they feel like they are passed around between services and don't know where to go to get help," Bailey noted. "Best Start hubs are driving this connection between services, and driving this sense of community again."
