Duchess of Cambridge launches survey on under-fives
Fiona Simpson
Wednesday, January 22, 2020
The Duchess of Cambridge has launched a landmark survey to provide "vital information" about early years development.
Five Big Questions is designed to start a national conversation about the importance of early years, Kensington Palace said.
Called a “vital source of information” by the NSPCC, the survey aims to gather information on what influences development and what period of childhood is most important for children's happiness.
To mark its launch, Kate will embark on a 24-hour tour of early years and family provision in Birmingham, London, Surrey and Cardiff, visiting LEYF nursery in Southwark to help serve breakfast to children before attending a baby sensory class at the Ely and Careau Children’s Centre in Cardiff.
The survey was launched at Thinktank, a science museum in Birmingham, where the Duchess said: "As a parent, I know how much we cherish the future health and happiness of our children.
"I want to hear the key issues affecting our families and communities so I can focus my work on where it is needed most. My ambition is to provide a lasting change for generations to come.”
⏱️ Take just 5 minutes to have your say in the biggest ever conversation on early childhood and help bring about positive, lasting change for generations to come #5BigQuestions 👇https://t.co/MaMnlxPDkh pic.twitter.com/5fjpvWDkeV
— Kensington Palace (@KensingtonRoyal) January 22, 2020
Early years leaders welcomed the launch, with David Holmes, chief executive at Family Action, saying: “Every parent, carer and family wants the best for their child, and raising the profile of the vital early years in a child’s life is work of national importance. The insight this survey will give the early years sector valuable direction in designing and delivering services and support which reflect what matters most to people.”
Neil Leitch, chief executive of the Early Years Alliance, added: “We know the first five years of a child’s life are absolutely pivotal to their long-term learning and development, and so it is fantastic to see the Duchess of Cambridge highlighting the importance of early childhood.
"At a time when the needs of the child is so often overlooked when it comes to government policy, we warmly welcome the fact that Five Big Questions focuses on how best to ensure all children, regardless of background, are able to grow up happy and healthy.
“With so much debate currently taking place about how best to support children in their earliest years, we hope the Duchess’s efforts to start a national conversation will prove a success.”
