BPS welcomes Royal Foundation’s early years report
We welcome the findings of the Royal Foundation’s report, ‘State of the nation: understanding public attitudes to the early years’, recently launched by the Duchess of Cambridge.
27 November 2020
As the biggest ever UK study on the early years, the new Royal Foundation report has generated #5BigInsights which highlights the need to help people understand the importance of the early years and suggests that parents and carers need more support and advice to ensure good mental health and wellbeing as they raise young children.
Educational psychologist Dr Abigail Wright, from the BPS Division of Educational and Child Psychology, said:
"I'm delighted to see the findings of this report today, which truly shines a light on the issues psychologists working with children in early years see each and every day.
Highlighting the challenges people are undoubtedly facing, during the pandemic and beyond, the value of parents and carers in the early years shone through.
We know that being a parent can be tough and daunting, but with the right support, tailored to individual circumstances, it can be the most empowering and rewarding experience.
Adult or child, we are all unique individuals and there is certainly no 'one size fits all' solution to when it comes to parenting.
People 'can't know what they don't know', so they need accessible and non-judgemental ways to seek support, reassurance or advice.
As the report highlights, it's vital that we normalise diversity in experiences and development - greater public awareness, understanding and empathy will help us to achieve this.
As psychologists, we have a crucial role to play in promoting and educating others using psychological theories and research about the importance of the early years and encouraging understanding, empathy and appropriate support across society.
Not only that, but we must also ensure that access to support and services is equitable to all, particularly during the pandemic.
We know how important the early years are in helping to shape positive future outcomes for children.
The findings of this report show that with the right level of funding, resources and strategic support for early years work, we can support parents and carers and help make sure all children receive the care and support they need."
The BPS' 'Getting it right for under-fives' early years strategy, calls on UK governments to develop and fund a cross-departmental under-fives strategy that will ensure all children receive the care and support they need to flourish and thrive.