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

HR Onboarding Officer (CDC)

City Of Doncaster Council
Grade 7, £27,259 - £29,955 (Pay award pending)
You have an opportunity to be part of a busy Human Resources team which offers HR support across the Council. Doncaster, South Yorkshire
Recuriter: City Of Doncaster Council

Purchase to Pay Administrator (Fixed Term) - WMF2122e

Westmorland and Furness Council
£25,584 - £25,992
We are looking for an Administrator to join our Purchase to Pay and Accounts Receivables team Cumbria / Various
Recuriter: Westmorland and Furness Council

Social Worker - WMF2123e

Westmorland and Furness Council
£41,511 - £42,708
We’re looking for passionate social workers to join our team in Kendal following a recent reshape of our services. Kendal, Cumbria
Recuriter: Westmorland and Furness Council

Environmental Health Officer

Wyre Borough Council
£38,626 - £41,511
We are looking to appoint a full time Environmental Health Officer within the Environmental Protection and Community Safety Department. Poulton-Le-Fylde, Lancashire
Recuriter: Wyre Borough Council

Trainee Graduate Accountant

Wyre Borough Council
£25,992 - £37,938
Are you looking to kickstart your career in Finance? Poulton-Le-Fylde, Lancashire
Recuriter: Wyre Borough Council
Linkedin Banner