A new University of Manchester evaluation shows Cradle to Career is driving life‑changing impact in North Birkenhead, proving the power of a place‑based approach in one of the region’s most deprived areas. Initiated by Steve Morgan Foundation and delivered by Right to Succeed, the programme launched in 2021 in partnership Wirral Council, National Lottery Community Fund, SHINE Trust and the UBS Optimus Foundation.
Impact and key findings
· Professionals report a major shift in thinking, with barriers between organisations removed.
· Schools, community organisations and services have formed strong new partnerships.
· A 15‑month reading age gap for 8–16 year olds has been closed.
· Care‑entry decisions have fallen dramatically—from 7–8 per week to 7–8 per year.
· Uptake of the 30‑hour childcare offer has surged.
· North Birkenhead has moved from the borough’s highest‑need area to the fourth‑highest.
· School attendance across participating settings is up by an average of 16%, bucking national post‑pandemic trends.
· SEND pupils’ reading ability has risen by the equivalent of half a GCSE grade.
Graeme Duncan, CEO of Right to Succeed, said:
“The University of Manchester’s evaluation reflects what we have seen on the ground – that place-based, community-led action can produce life-changing outcomes for children and families. In this next year, we will start the process of handing over the project to the community; we look forward to working with the locally-owned organisation that takes that on to build on C2C’s success to date.”
SMF’s Liam Eaglestone added:
“At the Steve Morgan Foundation, we are committed to investing in initiatives that drive meaningful system change. We are delighted with the impact that C2C has achieved to date and the learning that will strengthen long term sustainability across the Liverpool City Region.”
Professor Kirstin Kerr, University of Manchester, continued:
“The C2C model has shifted how the organisations and services in a community work together and created powerful insights into achieving place-based change in the UK.”