Comment on ‘The best start for life: a vision for the 1,001...

Commenting on The best start for life: a vision for the 1,001 critical days, ADCS President Charlotte Ramsden said:

“We know that the greatest opportunities to make a real and tangible difference to a child’s life chances occur when they are very young. The raising of the vital early years up the priorities of the national agenda is to be welcomed and we support calls to rebuild provision in this space that has been lost over the past decade, for example by the spread of family hubs. Beyond health-led services, early education, childcare and early family support can have a real impact on children’s outcomes, particularly those from disadvantaged backgrounds, and so they must also receive equal focus and investment.

“The role of the Director of Children’s Services is vital in maintaining oversight of sufficiency and effectiveness of local provision for early years services. Their impact on children’s progress and wider support for children and families in partnership with health is also important, yet this is not replicated at the national level. We would therefore welcome the appointment of a named government lead for Start for Life services. However, we should also maintain a focus on supporting families and reducing inequalities by investing in early help strategies. We know that the past year will have exacerbated inequalities in society with more families now living in poverty. Without addressing these issues we cannot make lasting change to children’s life chances.”

ENDS

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