What this project will achieve.

Tale of Two Cities Early Years focuses on action where it makes the greatest difference. By supporting children early and strengthening the systems around them, this project delivers immediate impact today while working towards long term change for tomorrow.

Early support reduces stress for families and improves stability.

Supporting families when it matters most.

For families facing financial pressure, knowing their child can access food, warmth and learning at nursery makes a meaningful difference. This support eases immediate stress and helps families focus on nurturing their children rather than managing crisis.

Strengthening community nurseries.

Stable nurseries create better outcomes for children.

The project also supports early years providers by easing the financial pressures caused by unpaid meal fees, rising costs and growing levels of need.

With greater stability, nurseries can focus on what they do best:

Supporting children’s development
Building confidence and wellbeing
Working closely with families

Driving fairer policy for under fours.

Changing the system as well as supporting children.

Alongside direct support, this project is committed to challenging the inequality that leaves children under four without access to free meal support.

We are advocating for:

A needs based approach to early years meal provision
Fair funding settlements for community based nurseries
Parity between community and state led provision

By pushing for long term reform, we aim to ensure the most vulnerable children receive support from the very start, not only once they reach statutory school age.

Measuring impact and accountability.

We are committed to transparency and evidence. Working in partnership with the University of Derby, we will measure and monitor progress to ensure children are school ready.

Baseline data will be collected before the programme begins, with outcomes reviewed annually over three to five years. This allows us to track progress, understand what works and demonstrate the real difference supporters are making.

A lasting legacy for Derby.

Together, these outcomes create something powerful. A city that stands united to give every child a fair chance to thrive, regardless of postcode or circumstance.