CYP Now - Multi-agency data sharing must be improved to boost child development, say early years leaders

The next government needs to develop a national dataset encompassing education, health and social care details for all children, according to recommendations made ahead of July’s general election by the National Day Nurseries Association (NDNA).

Data-sharing is crucial to identify extra support needed by children, says the NDNA. Picture: Adobe Stock

The early year’s organisation’s manifesto, called Make the First Five Years Count, says the move “will enable an individualised, consistent and holistic approach to child development”.

It will also help “early years professionals to be more involved in identifying and referring children with additional needs to services that can offer support”.

A national commission on the future of early education and care to ensure policy is “child-centric, driven by evidence and best practice” is also being called for.

This commission should be set up within the next government’s first 100 days and aim to ensure early years is valued “on the same level as with mainstream education”.

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