We work in partnership with a range of services and sectors who aim to improve outcomes for children and families.
About us
Who we are
We are two outstanding experts who share a passion for ensuring that children’s and families’ needs are put at the top of the agenda in all areas.
We both run our own successful businesses, working with a wide range of clients, and created Families First to share our expertise and achieve greater impact, as well as being able to give back to the communities we work with.
What we do
Our specialisms include project and policy development (ranging from government to small voluntary organisations), programme delivery, community development, training, and service reviews. We have extensive experience of partnership working with and within a range of sectors, including health, education, special educational needs and disability, early years and childcare, family services, and play and community development.
Benefiting communities
We work in partnership with organisations, groups and local authorities to enable positive outcomes for children and families in local communities. As a community interest company we are a commercial organisation who will reinvest in enabling additional activities and services for the community. Our beneficiaries will be UK groups and individuals working with or setting up work with children and families, who would not be able to afford the support otherwise.
WHAT MAKES FAMILIES FIRST UNIQUE?
Expert guidance and bespoke solutions
Cost effective
There are a number of large organisations including charities who offer similar services nationally but very few smaller groups like ourselves. Our smaller size enables us to be very cost effective as we aren’t maintaining a large corporate infrastructure.
Flexible
Our large competitors may be very inflexible and the services may also be limited and pre-packaged. We, on the other hand, are extremely open-minded and will flex our offerings to meet your needs. All our solutions are bespoke to the individual client.
National reach
The Families First directors are located in the North and the South of England. This enables UK-wide reach with a small resource and no geographical limitation. Whether you prefer face to face or online working, we are happy to meet your needs.
Extendable
The Families First core team of experts can be quickly expanded through a network of experienced partners, associates, and third party consultants.
Whatever your technical and knowledge requirements are, we can provide the appropriate assets.
Our leadership team
Meet the people behind Families First
Ann Van Dyke, MBE
Director
Since 2011 Ann has worked nationally as a consultant, working to support positive change in children and family services, particularly in early years and childcare, and focussing on inequality and inclusion as central throughout.
Jill Webb
Director
Jill has worked as a consultant since 2015. She is a leader with strong experience in both the statutory and voluntary sectors with a strong background in training, management consulting, and safeguarding.