FREE WEBINAR: Opening Doors: Access to Early Childhood Services for Families Impacted by Poverty in the UK

In the UK, more than one in three (36%) children in families where the youngest child is under five are living in poverty. Existing evidence shows links between a young child’s socio-economic background and their health, wellbeing and development outcomes.

Early childhood services, including maternity, health visiting and integrated services such as children’s centres and family hubs play a vital role in mitigating the impacts of poverty. They are designed to provide vital preventative advice during pregnancy and early childhood to promote children’s health and wellbeing.

But new research from the NSPCC and UNICEF UK highlights that families living on low incomes face barriers which prevent them from accessing these important services. The research centres the voices and experiences of parents living on low incomes, and the professionals who work with them. It sets out recommendations for the UK Government based on findings that are also relevant to practitioners, commissioners and local authorities.

On Wednesday 4th December 2024, 15.00 – 16.00, this webinar will share the findings from the research during an online webinar and we would be delighted if you could join. During the event, you will have the opportunity to:

• Hear from the report authors who will present the findings and share recommendations for how the UK Government can reform and rebuild early childhood services.

• Hear reflections on the research from a panel, including Sarah Cattan from the Institute of Fiscal Studies and Nesta, as well as practitioners from health visiting and midwifery.

• Take part in a Q+A

If you would like to attend the webinar, register here.

Please note: This is not a Safeguarding Bedfordshire event. If you have any questions or would like any more information, please contact lilyrosee@unicef.org.uk