By two years it is already possible to see a difference in children's attainment. By the age of six, a less able child from a rich family is likely to have overtaken an able child born into a poor family. This gap grows over time, with many poor children falling two years behind by the age of 14, setting the stage for a downward spiral of unequal chances and diminishing returns that will play out for the rest of their lives. Children growing up in poverty are more likely to leave school at 16 with fewer qualifications, not able to realise their potential and contribute fully to society.
Despite being the world's fifth wealthiest nation, the UK has one of the highest rates of child poverty in the industrialised world. The impact of this on children and their communities is easy to see. But the UK does not have to put up with this current level of child poverty. With extra investment and support, child poverty can be eradicated. In the last ten years the Government succeeded in lifting 600,000 children out of poverty.
However, progress has stalled, and without the extra investment of £4billion the Government is in danger of missing its target of halving child poverty by 2010. Extra pressure is needed now to ensure it is reached.
The Campaign to End Child Poverty, a coalition of over 110 organisations, has developed activities and events to enable people to demonstrate their desire for change. Your support for these activities and events is essential to make the most impact at this crucial time.
Visit www.endchildpoverty.org.uk and get involved. You can sign up to support the campaign and find template letters or ideas that you can use to contact your MP or local newspapers. Most importantly, get ready to come out on 4 October for our rally in Trafalgar Square, London, in support of the campaign to demand that the Government keeps its promise to the millions of children living in poverty in the UK today.
