Publication: Opening Doors: access to early childhood services for families impacted by poverty in the UK, UNICEF and NSPCC

What are the main points?
> Families on low-income face multiple barriers in accessing early childhood services. For instance, these services can often be hard to reach or unable to support families experiencing financial hardship.
> Shortages of midwives and health visitors have resulted in a lack of outreach, rushed appointments and different professionals with each contact, potentially stopping parents from discussing sensitive issues.
> Poverty can negatively impact a child’s development and increase the likelihood of ill health, poor mental health. It can also put them at a disadvantage academically. Access to maternity, health visiting and integrated support can reduce these inequalities.
> The findings and recommendations make the case to government for urgent reform and investment in early childhood services.
EXPERT THOUGHT
Vicky Nevin, Policy Manager at the NSPCC and co-author of the report, said: ‘Midwives, health visitors and other professionals provide support that can make a real difference for parents who want to do the best for their young children but are struggling with money. Early childhood services should be top of the agenda when the Child Poverty Taskforce next meets.’
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