Responding to the Government’s announcement of a new strategy and measures to improve early child development, Rachael Wardell, ADCS President, said:
“Closing the disadvantage gap early is vital to lifelong outcomes for children and communities and we welcome the Government’s focus on early years and ambition to improve school readiness. Expanding family hubs to all areas of the country is a clear, positive statement for babies, children, families and the wider sector.
“Family support has been a gap in policy for some time and the development of a digital service to bring together trusted and reliable sources of information and advice into one place for new parents and carers is a positive addition. This is about building trust and shared understanding — not telling families how to parent.
“We welcome the focus on childcare and creation of new places in classrooms, the commitment to quality and recognition of the value of early years teachers, including plans to expand their use across more settings. Focus on and investment in this unsung workforce is something ADCS has long been calling for and we are pleased to see this supported with established career pathways.
“Real change requires sustained investment in early years services, family support, and the wider system around children. The additional £500 million for the hubs rollout is a significant demonstration of intent, in the current climate, in tackling some of the underlying inequalities holding back too many children.
“The target of 75% of children reaching a good level of development offers a chance to rethink early years support, but even if met, one in four children will still start school behind and it is vital that an inclusive education system is ready to meet their needs too. It is important this this strategy speaks to the new NHS 10-year plan and that there are clear links to the Child Poverty Strategy due out later this year. Our own research shows poverty, poor housing and health inequalities are negatively impacting on childhoods and on children’s outcomes and many government departments have a role in putting this right.”
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