A report by Public Health Wales’ First 1000 Days programme highlights six key priority areas for action, emphasizing that small changes in these areas can significantly benefit families across Wales.
The report stresses the importance of creating environments where families can thrive—such as safe housing, fair work and income opportunities, accessible transportation, and family-friendly built and natural spaces. These elements serve as the foundation of a society that enables children to get the best start in life.
Research shows that investing in early years interventions yields substantial returns. For every pound spent on supporting families and children during the first 1,000 days, the long-term economic benefits range between £1.30 and £16.80. Describing this period as a “golden opportunity to build a fairer future,” the report underscores that pregnancy and early childhood are crucial for shaping a healthier and happier future. Love, care, good nutrition, play, and communication are essential for babies to develop their brains and bodies.
However, the report also highlights significant challenges, such as the fact that over one in four children in Wales are living in poverty. Without strong foundations in early childhood, it becomes harder for children to catch up later, often leading to greater support needs as they grow.
On the positive side, targeted investments, such as training early years practitioners in areas like speech and language development, can significantly improve outcomes at a relatively low cost.
Amy McNaughton, Consultant in Public Health at Public Health Wales, stated:
“The first thousand days present a remarkable opportunity to establish the foundations for a healthy and happy life. It is essential to support families in the best possible way. A society that values babies and children ensures they can grow up healthy, happy, and reach their full potential. This involves creating environments where families can thrive and fostering enriching relationships between babies and the adults in their lives.
“Identifying these six priority areas helps us all understand our role in building a society where babies have the best possible start in life.”
The full report can be accessed here: