The Best Start for Life
A VIsion for the 1001 Critical Days
I launched the 1,001 Critical Days Campaign in 2013 with the publication of the 1001 Critical Days manifesto which highlighted the vital importance of the period from conception to the age of two.
Many MPs, peers, charities, royal colleges and professional bodies have added their support to the campaign over the years, I am so pleased with the momentum that now exists both in politics and among healthcare professionals.
In July 2020 I was appointed as the Government’s Early Years Healthy Development Adviser, and led a nationwide review into early years policy across Whitehall, culminating in The Best Start for Life: a Vision for the 1001 Critical Days, a report I launched alongside the Prime Minister in March 2021.
The report contains 6 Action Areas for change, is now Government policy, and is currently in its implementation phase.
The Action Areas are:
Seamless support for families: a coherent joined-up Start for Life offer available to all families
A welcoming hub for families: family hubs as a place for families to access Start for Life services
The information families need when they need it: designing digital, virtual and telephone offers around the needs of the family
An empowered Start for Life workforce: developing a modern skilled workforce to meet the changing needs of families
Continually improving the Start for Life offer: improving data, evaluation, outcomes and proportionate inspection
Leadership for change: ensuring local and national accountability and building the economic case
Further Reading:
Family Hubs and Start for Life Programme Guide for Local Authorities
Health & Social Care Select Committee Report on First 1000 Days
Science & Technology Select Committee Report on Evidence-based Early Intervention
Education Select Committee Report on Tackling Disadvantage in the Early Years
Early Intervention Foundation report on Adverse Childhood Experiences
