, Labour’s Shadow Minister for Children and Early
Years, responding to the results of the Royal
Foundation’s study on early childhood and the Duchess of
Cambridge Kate Middleton’s warning about the crucial role that
early years play in raising the next generation of adults and
shaping society, said:
“The early years of a child’s life are absolutely critical for
their social, educational and physical development, yet far too
often the services that support young children are not given the
priority they deserve. The coronavirus crisis poses an
existential threat to the early years sector and the essential
education it provides to so many.
“This important intervention from the Duchess of Cambridge is a
reminder to us all about what is at stake when decisions are made
about early years support, and I hope the Government is
listening.”
Ends
Notes to editors
- The Duchess of Cambridge is to warn of the crucial role early
years play in raising the next generation of adults and shaping
society, as her landmark research on the issue is published. Kate
has been the driving force behind the Royal Foundation’s “five
big questions on the under-fives” study – the largest of its kind
in the UK on perceptions of early childhood – which reports that
only one in four people recognise the key importance of the first
five years of a child’s life.
