A total of 83 charities including NSPCC, Save the Children UK, The Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health (RCPCH), 48,000 members of the public, as well as celebrities including Andy Murray and Ewan McGregor – have added their names to Unicef UK’s letter, calling for the UK Government to commit to a National Baby and Toddler Guarantee.
The national Baby and Toddler Guarantee would ensure all families with young children can access 'vital' universal support services like maternity, health visiting, mental health, affordable and high-quality childcare and Special Educational Needs and Disability support – no matter who they are or where they live.
'Many families are faced with the worrying reality of not being able to put food on the table.'
The letter to the Prime Minister, Rishi Sunak, states, ‘Families in Britain need your help now. Summer holidays are just around the corner and instead of looking forward to fun-packed, carefree days, many families are faced with the worrying reality of not being able to put food on the table as they struggle to make ends meet.
‘We know that with reduced funds and prices rising, local authorities have been forced to make impossible choices. Across the country, children’s centres and childcare settings have closed their doors, health visiting appointments have been missed as staffing has reduced and caseloads increased, mental health support for parents and children is hard to come by, waiting lists are long and provision is patchy across the sector. The universal services that many new parents desperately need are not there for everyone.’
One signatory, Rachel, a parent to a child with autism, explained, ‘The early years provision in the area has been awful, we’ve struggled to get any help since my son was diagnosed. We’re struggling to even get access to the nursery hours we’re paying for and can’t get any additional help […] When he starts school, it’s likely it will take me out of my job permanently as there is no SEND provision in the area during the school holidays.’
'Every child deserves a bright future, but this future is under threat.'
Jon Sparkes, chief executive of UNICEF UK, said, ‘Every child deserves a bright future, but as families recover from the impacts of the pandemic and face unprecedented rises in the cost of living, this future is under threat.
‘Basic services like health visits and mental health care provide essential support that households need during these turbulent times. They should be there for every baby and young child during their vital early years, but across the country, this isn't the case and urgent action is needed. Together with leading organisations, experts and families across the country we call on the Prime Minister to deliver a Baby and Toddler Guarantee, to ensure all children get the support they need no matter who you are or where you live.’
Purnima Tanuku, chief executive of National Day Nurseries Association (NDNA), commented, ‘We hope the Prime Minister understands how important support at this stage is, and makes it a political priority.’