Laura Sharman 27 November 2020

Duchess of Cambridge unveils results of UK's biggest early years study

Only one in four people recognise the specific importance of the early years, according to the UK’s biggest ever study on the topic.

The Duchess of Cambridge has unveiled the findings of a nine-year project exploring how difficult experiences in early childhood are often the root cause of key social challenges such as poor mental health, family breakdown, addiction and homelessness.

It found that while 98% of people believe nurture is essential to lifelong outcomes, most people don’t understand the importance of the first five years of a child’s life.

Exploring the impact of COVID-19 on families, it found parental loneliness has increased during the pandemic from 38% before to 63%. Parents living in the most deprived areas are more likely to feel lonely.

Cllr Judith Blake, chair of the Local Government Association’s Children and Young People Board, said: ‘The LGA has repeatedly raised concerns about the underfunding of the early entitlements, so it was good that extra funding was announced in the recent Spending Review. However, with many early years providers struggling due to COVID-19, it was disappointing that this was not a more significant and immediate investment to support providers during this unprecedented time.

’It is crucial we retain the good quality early education and childcare that improves children’s outcomes and reduces the disadvantage gap. Given recent evidence that up to one in six early years providers may not survive winter due to COVID-19, immediate investment is needed.’

Photo: Bart Lenoir / Shutterstock.com

SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Executive Director Adult Services & Housing

Somerset Council
to £150k
There’s a distinctive, energising sense of excitement and possibility Somerset
Recuriter: Somerset Council

Service Director - Children’s Commissioning & Performance

Somerset Council
to £121k
Our new Children & Young People’s plan was co-produced with the energetic input of over 6,000 children across Somerset. Somerset
Recuriter: Somerset Council

Assistant Director - Regulatory

South Norfolk and Broadland District Councils
£80,161- £92,306
We offer flexible working hours for most office-based roles, allowing for a healthy work-life balance. Norfolk
Recuriter: South Norfolk and Broadland District Councils

Assistant Director Culture and Community

Medway Council
£Competitive
Do you have a passion to create a sense of community for everyone? Chatham, Kent
Recuriter: Medway Council

Head of Finance

Tamworth Borough Council
£55,800 - £58,517 pa Home working contract
Finance is central to the Council’s transformational agenda Tamworth, Staffordshire
Recuriter: Tamworth Borough Council
Linkedin Banner