Early years crucial to children's development

The government this week published their vision for the services that should be on offer for parents, children and families in the foundation years. It is encouraging that this document is so thorough and that the government is now focused on children's early years. Success in the foundation years is primarily about loving, supportive relationships. But it is also about essential financial support and access to high quality services, particularly for the most disadvantaged children and their families.

One thing mentioned in the document is the payment by result programmes (PBR), which could have a role to play in improving a child's early years. But these programmes will only work well if the government makes sure that children's centres reach those families in greatest need. There is a risk, which must be avoided, of criteria for PBR discriminating against centres in the most disadvantaged areas.

For new parents, it is important to have money in their pockets as well as high quality children's centres in their neighbourhood. New parents have seen various support mechanisms cut, including the Health in Pregnancy Grant, the baby element of Child Tax credit and the Sure Start Maternity Grant. The loss of this fundamental support will mean many parents will struggle to give their children the best start in life.