Under the inquiry, MPs will investigate whether progress has been made on outcomes for children and young people since 2019 – when the Committee previously reported on the topic – examining the effectiveness of Family Hubs and what the barriers are to delivering high-quality early years services.
Chaired by Liberal Democrat MP, Layla Moran, the Committee has chosen to revisit the subject as the Government looks to ‘break down barriers to opportunity’ one of its six missions within its Plan for Change.
The inquiry will also examine how the Government can effectively tackle disparities in infant health outcomes, including disparities in outcomes for disabled children.
It will consider the principle of ‘proportionate universalism’, an approach which means that services are available to all but are targeted in proportion to the level of need.
Looking ahead, the cross-party MPs will consider what the Government should prioritise in upcoming funding allocations for early years services.
The Committee is looking to hear from early years practitioners, parents, health professionals and charities to provide evidence which will inform practical recommendations to the Government on how to improve outcomes for children.
Chair of the Health and Social Care Committee, Layla Moran MP, said, ‘There is overwhelming and unambiguous evidence on the crucial importance of the first 1000 days of life in shaping children’s development and outcomes in later life.
‘We want to renew political focus on this vital period in a child’s life.’
