Babyzone Early Years News Update | 17 January 2025

Plus: Blackburn’s big win for family hubs

Author

Sophie Bruxner-Randall
January 17, 2025 • Estimated Reading Time: 6 minutes

Welcome to The Early Years News Update, a newsletter for anyone working in early years. Each week, we deliver the latest news from around the world because we believe in the power of shared learning and collaboration

Spotlight: UK Government Investment 🌟

The UK government's investment of £126 million targets transformative early childhood development in deprived regions, enhancing services like mental health and parenting support. This initiative ensures children enter school ready and promises sustainable societal growth.

Global Perspectives 🌎

The Dutch Postcode Lottery commits £900,000 annually for three years to Theirworld, enhancing education for vulnerable children. This enduring partnership anticipates mobilising £1 billion by 2028 amid global educational challenges heightened by conflicts and climate emergencies.

Investing in Bangladesh's early childhood education is key to unlocking socio-economic growth. Collaborative efforts from government and NGOs reveal disparities, with urgent action needed to transform access in rural areas.

Community Spotlights 💡

The Wellies Project in Staffordshire has received the King's Award for Voluntary Service, recognising its role in mental health recovery through nature-based initiatives. It highlights how community empowerment fosters sustainable growth.

Blackburn with Darwen Council's infusion of over £1 million represents a transformative investment in early childhood development. Strengthening family hubs, this funding aids pregnancy, infant nutrition, and parenting support. Such initiatives catalyse enduring societal benefits, ensuring sustainable growth by equipping children with the foundational well-being necessary for a thriving future.

Peter Grigg's move to Citizens Advice from Home-Start UK marks a pivotal moment for early years practitioners. Under his leadership, family support soared, operational income increased, and a strategic focus on equity and community engagement was cultivated. These achievements present actionable models for enhancing service delivery and broadening impact in early childhood settings.

Research & Insights 🔬

Research from Oxford University suggests that childhood health can influence brain development related to dementia risk. Monitoring factors like BMI and blood pressure from an early age could inform effective interventions, supporting proactive health measures.

Community-based childcare centres offer strategic avenues for enhancing early development through locally adapted, culturally enriched education. By providing affordable, high-quality programmes and fostering community integration, these centres can drive policy objectives. Establishing a collaborative and well-funded model is essential for their sustainability, promoting robust educational frameworks in UK communities.

Babyzone The Early Years News Update is a Contentive publication in the Social Impact division