11th July 2023
Today, UNICEF UK published an open letter to the Prime Minister calling on the UK government to deliver a National Baby and Toddler guarantee for every young child, regardless of where they live.
Young children across the country are missing out on vital support at the most important time of their lives. From health visitor appointments to mental health support, to affordable childcare – parents and carers need better access to local services because #EarlyMomentsMatter. A child’s first few years are the foundations for their ongoing health, development and safety.
Celebrities and children’s charities have joined the campaign. If enacted, the National Baby and Toddler Guarantee would set out the basic services that every young child is entitled to – and make sure they get them. It would mean parents and carers know what support they will receive to support their baby’s health, wellbeing, and early education, right from the start.
Alison Morton, iHV CEO, says:
“This welcomed campaign by UNICEF UK shines a much-needed spotlight on the importance of the earliest years of life. At the moment, too many babies, young children and families are missing out on vital support. At the same time, we have a poor state of child health in this country with widening inequalities compared to other similar nations. Our children’s health, wellbeing and safety is too important to be left to chance – we join with a growing body of other children’s charities and celebrities calling for a National Baby and Toddler Guarantee for all, regardless of where they live”.
