In the UK, more than a third of children in families with a child aged under 5 are living in poverty.1 Growing up in poverty can affect early childhood development, education and future life chances.
Evidence shows that early childhood services play an important role in mitigating the impact of poverty on young children.2 However, our research with UNICEF UK finds that families on low incomes face multiple barriers to accessing these services.
Our report refers to ‘low income’ as relative poverty which is defined as below 60% of the median income. It defines ‘young children’ as children from age 0 to 5 years and ‘early childhood services’ as maternity, health visiting and integrated services, such as children’s centres and family hubs.
Findings and recommendations in the report are drawn from:
Authors: Vicky Nevin, NSPCC and Rebecca Jacques, UNICEF UK.
References
Department for Work and Pensions (2024) Households below average income: for financial years ending 1995 to 2023 [Accessed 03/12/2024].Professionals and services can build trusted relationships with parents by:
Services can reduce barriers and encourage engagement by:
Investment and systemic reforms are needed to help professionals to consistently deliver high quality care. Interagency collaboration and co-located services can help families facing multiple disadvantages to receive the support they need.
Please cite as: Nevin, V. and Jacques, R. (2024) Opening doors: access to early childhood services for families impacted by poverty in the UK. London: NSPCC.
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