Last week, the Early Years Healthy Development Review its recommendations and a new vision for the first 1001 days.

I have been chairing the Review since last year, and during the past several months, the Review team and a cross-party group of Parliamentarians, academics and professionals have spoken to parents, carers and volunteers right across the country to hear directly from them on how early years services and support can be improved.

Whilst there is lots of brilliant work being done to support new families, it was clear that the quality and consistency of the support they receive depends on where they live.

The pandemic has shone a spotlight on some of the stark inequalities in the health and wellbeing of our nation and the Review’s Plan sets out 6 areas where action can be taken to ensure that families get the access to the services they need and that the Start for Life system provides the best possible support.

The 6 Action Areas are:

1. Encourage all local authorities to publish a clear Start for Life offer for parents in their area laying out services and support.

2. Champion Family Hubs, making them a place for families to access support, advice and Start for Life services.

3. Ensure families have the information they need, when they need it by designing digital, virtual and telephone services around the needs of the family, including digitising the Personal Child Health Record, commonly known as the Red Book.

4. Work to develop a skilled, empowered and integrated Start for Life workforce, to meet the changing needs of families with babies.

5. Continue to work across the whole Start for Life system, to hold local services to account where necessary, including through proportionate inspection.

6. Ensure these recommendations are delivered, by encouraging local and national leadership and making the economic case for the Start for Life.

This is a strong set of recommendations that as we build back better will ensure that all families can give their baby the best start in life.

To read the full report click here.

You can also view some of the media coverage and find out more about the work of the Review here.