Princess of Wales calls for greater recognition of the early years
By Rachel Lawler
The Princess of Wales has for more to be done to recognise the importance of the early years.
Writing in the Daily Telegraph, the princess said: “If we are going to create a healthier and happier society for future generations, we must start by understanding and acknowledging the unique importance of the first five years of life.”
"Not enough is being done"
However, she said that currently “not enough is being done” to support children in these years and said that “we have to fully appreciate those most preventative years” in order to tackle complex challenges such as homelessness, violence and addiction.
She concluded: “I am determined to shine a light on this issue and to do everything I can to secure much greater focus on those first crucial years for the youngest members of our society.”
Welcome efforts
Commenting, Neil Leitch, CEO of the Alliance, said: "The Princess of Wales is absolutely right to say that not enough is being done to highlight the unique importance of the early years in this country.
"Despite a wealth of research showing that the first five years of a child’s life are absolutely critical in shaping their long-term learning and development, all too often, education is still viewed as something that only begins once a child starts school – despite the fact that more than nine in ten children access some kind of formal early education.
"Investing in our early years sector isn’t ‘paying for someone else’s children to be looked after’, as it is so often described. It is ensuring that all children have access to the kind of quality early education that will help them to become happy, healthy and responsible citizens of society.
"As such, we welcome the Princess of Wales’ continued efforts to raise awareness of this vital issue. Perhaps finally, those in government will sit up and take notice."
Find out more
Read the full article in the Telegraph here