Sir Al Aynsley-Green argues that our approach to early years comes at a huge economic cost to individuals and society

Children matter – to parents, families and communities in every village, town and city across Britain. Quite simply, they are our nation’s most precious resource, not only as citizens today but because of the massive changes in demography with more older people living longer. Who will generate the wealth to support them? The children of today.

So, through an economic lens I argue we need healthy, educated, creative and resilient, happy children equipped with the life skills for those who can to become confident adults and parents in due course. But we must also make sure that those who can’t through disability or disadvantage are also supported to their full potential.

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