I’m delighted that the Duchess of Cambridge’s Royal Foundation is putting children’s early years in the spotlight. And talking about the vital role parents play in children’s development.
The first five years of children’s lives offer the most significant opportunity for learning and development. At the same time, it’s in these early years that parents’ engagement in their children’s learning has the greatest influence.
Although science and research have clearly shown the long-lasting impact of children’s early years, The Royal Foundation’s survey, released last week, revealed this is not recognised across wider society or in policy.
Parenting is hard. The most difficult job there is. But we also live in an unequal and judgemental society and as a result parents in disadvantaged areas have an even tougher job.
At Save the Children our mission is to reduce the number of children growing up in poverty in the UK and narrow the early learning gap.
The Royal Foundation survey is an energising step in the right direction for the early years sector. Its headlines that resonate with me because they identify exactly what we as a society need to understand:
- 70% of parents feel judged and find it difficult to ask for help.
- The places parents feel most welcome are parks and open play areas.
- Parents lack support networks.
- Parents’ mental health affects their children’s wellbeing.
- All these issues are worse for families living in poverty.
It’s time to listen – and respond
On top of that, the pandemic has exacerbated disadvantage and the difficulties parents face. The survey highlights how stressed parents feel. And the system that should be there to help is complex and frequently makes life harder.
We have a real opportunity to listen to what families are telling us to act and mitigate the impact of Covid.
We need systemic change to develop community-led services where parents feel safe, accepted, connected and able to ask for help. That means:
- investing to make sure parents have the confidence, skills and resources to support their children when it matters most
- recognising that parenting is difficult, so that asking for help becomes standard and natural
- a single policy framework to address conflicting and confusing messages
- proper understanding of the value of play in the early years and its impact on learning.
The Royal Foundation’s commitment and vision provide real hope. But there is much to do and many challenges to overcome. As a sector we need action and evidence to galvanise society behind this important opportunity.
The survey findings align with Save the Children’s strategy in the UK.
"We think place-based approaches can really make a different for parents, achieving the systemic change needed to provide parents with the support they and their children deserve. That's why we're testing this model in four early learning communities around the UK and sharing our learning with others facing the same challenges."
Together, we can give every child the chance to fulfil their potential. Together, let’s change the future.
