Calls for more investment in early years health work
Neil Puffett
Monday, February 15, 2010
Government spending on early years provision needs to be increased if health inequalities are to be addressed, a review has found.
The Strategic Review of Health Inequalities in England Post-2010, led by Sir Michael Marmot, also calls for paid parental leave in the first year of life, linked to a minimum income for healthy living.
Meanwhile parenting programmes, children's centres and key workers delivering help via outreach work are highlighted as ways of providing routine support to families.
The review found that people in England's poorest areas live an average of seven years less than those in the richest ones.
The review said: "Investing in the early years, thereby improving early cognitive and non-cognitive development and children's readiness for school, is vital for later educational outcomes.
"Once at school, it is important that children and young people are able to develop skills for life and for work as well as attain qualifications."
The Daycare Trust, said it backs the central recommendation to increase the proportion of public spending allocated to the early years.
Alison Garnham, chief executive of the Daycare Trust, said: "I am pleased that the Marmot Review has accepted the evidence that good quality early years education and care is essential for children's development, and has wider social and economic benefits."