Review into 1001 First Critical Days formally launched

Ensuring that every baby has the best start in life is my passion in politics and I am delighted to be asked by the Prime Minister to chair a major new review of early years services on behalf of the Government.

The review will look at reducing inequalities in young children from conception to age two and a half, aiming to ensure every baby is given the best possible start in life. It will build on the conclusions from the Inter-Ministerial Group on Early Years Family Support which I chaired whilst Leader of the Commons from 2018-2019.

The first 1,001 days of life are critical for human development, and have a significant impact on physical health, mental health and opportunity throughout life. 

NSPCC research shows that up to one in four babies in England are born into families with mental health problems, substance misuse and/or domestic violence present in the home. Research from NHS England suggests that 1 in 5 mums and 1 in 10 dads experience mental health problems during pregnancy and after birth. 

The review will seek to show how to reduce disparities in low birth weight, social and emotional development in early years, and reduce impacts of vulnerability and adverse childhood experiences in this stage of life. It will also look to understand lessons learnt from COVID-19, including minimising the risks from the pandemic to very young children, and better using technology. 

I am looking forward to engaging with and working closely with a wide range of stakeholders, including academic experts, maternity and early years specialists, leading commissioners, service providers and parliamentarians to identify policies and services that will improve the outcomes for vulnerable babies, children and their families. 

We will submit the findings and policy recommendations from the first phase of the Review into Early Years Health in January 2021. This will contribute to the Government’s vision for excellence in early years health and form part of its ‘levelling up’ agenda. 

I am certain that by providing world-class support in the vital early years, we can change our society for the better. Supporting the development of secure attachment between new babies and their caregivers will lead to happier, more capable and healthier children, and ultimately, a stronger society.

Infant mental health is about more than babies. It’s about improving our whole lives, and striving for better outcomes that have a profound effect from cradle to grave.