Select committee report highlights case for national leadership and coordination to support children in the early years

Press release: embargo for 00:01, Tuesday 26 February

The House of Commons Health and Social Care Select Committee is publishing its report on the first 1,001 days of life, looking at services and support for children aged 0–2.

In reaction to the report, Dr Jo Casebourne, Chief Executive at the Early Intervention Foundation (EIF), says:

“We warmly welcome this report from the health and social care committee, and the strong case that it makes for increased leadership, coordination and investment for support designed to tackle the problems that can undermine children’s life chances. The first 1,001 days are a vital period for children’s development – but, as the committee takes care to point out, the need for some children to receive additional and effective support doesn’t disappear when they turn 3. Crucially, the committee has made a set of sound and welcome recommendations for significant changes both within the 1,001 days window and beyond.

“Over recent months, we have seen two select committees making the case for increased coordination and investment in an early intervention approach to supporting children’s life chances. There is clearly mounting pressure on the government to provide the leadership required at the national level, and the upcoming comprehensive spending review provides the ideal opportunity to recalibrate its approach. We need a 25-year plan for children, to put the issue of children’s wellbeing and livelihoods on the same policy footing as other crucial long-term issues like housing and the environment.”

Contact:

Mark Ballinger
Head of Communications, EIF
E: mark.ballinger@eif.org.uk
T: 020 3542 2481 (switchboard)

Notes:

• The Early Intervention Foundation (EIF) is an independent charity that champions and supports the use of effective early intervention to improve the lives of children and young people at risk of experiencing negative outcomes. For more information, see: www.eif.org.uk
• More information about the Health and Social Care Select Committee’s inquiry and report is available at: https://www.parliament.uk/business/committees/committees-a-z/commons-select/health-and-social-care-committee/inquiries/parliament-2017/first-1000-days-life-inquiry-17-19/
• In October 2018, the Early Intervention Foundation (EIF) published Realising the potential of early intervention, a major report outlining the key barriers to be overcome and changes to be made at national and local level, to ensure effective early intervention is available for the children and families who need it most. Available at: https://www.eif.org.uk/reports/realising-the-potential-of-early-intervention