Early Moments Matter polling briefing

Date: 24th July 2024
Category: Disability, Basic Health and Welfare, General measures of implementation, General principles

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Early childhood is a critical time for development, and experiences in the earliest years have an exponential impact on a child's future outcomes. However, this research demonstrates that families up and down the country are not getting the support they need.

That's why UNICEF UK are calling on the UK and devolved nations to deliver a Baby and Toddler Guarantee, to ensure that:

• Every baby and toddler can access affordable, high quality early education and childcare in their local area;
• Financial support that works for all parents and carers of babies and toddlers is accessible when they need it including scrapping the two-child benefit cap;
• All parents and carers of babies and toddlers can access quality mental health support.

UNICEF UK has published their annual survey of parents and carers of under-fives in Scotland. Concerningly, it found that 90% of parents and carers are worried for their children's future life chances, a quarter have gone into debt to pay for essentials and 83% of parents and carers who receive the Scottish Child Payment find it helpful.

• Download the briefing here
• For an overview of result at UK level, click here