Early Moments Matter

Why are we campaigning?

Nearly 90% of parents with under fives are worried about their child’s future life chances.

A child’s first months and years shape their whole life. But in the UK, we are leaving too many babies and young children behind – stopping them from reaching their potential. One in three children lives in poverty and the figure is even higher for families with young children.   

Essential services in childhood   

Essential public services are failing to meet demand, yet they are crucial for a child’s development, especially children in families on low incomes. Maternity, health visiting, family hubs and childcare are critical in early childhood and so is financial support so families can make ends meet.  

Childcare crisis  

Affordable local childcare isn’t available for every child. It’s one of the biggest challenges facing families with young children, according to 60% of parents. It especially impacts families on low incomes or caught in poverty, who have fewer nurseries nearby and fewer hours available. 

Benefits cuts for families  

Families with children have been hit the hardest by tax and benefit changes since 2010. The last Government imposed a two-child limit restricting Universal Credit and Child Tax Credit to the first two children in a family.