Expert reaction to the announcement of Labour’s Child Health Action Plan

Experts have reacted to plans from Keir Starmer to end the scandal of plummeting child health outcomes over the last 14 years, as he unveils Labour’s new 'Child Health Action Plan' to create the healthiest and happiest generation of children ever in Britain.

Chris Groombridge, Managing Director of 543 Dental Centre and Chairman of Teeth Team, a primary school based dental health charity, commented:

“As a provider of NHS dental services, I wholeheartedly support Labour’s Child Health Action Plan - its preventive focus has real value in the dental arena and rightly recognises the educational and social benefits of all children starting their day with a healthy breakfast.

“Having been a supporter of a supervised toothbrushing programme in Hull and East Yorkshire for over 15 years, I am delighted to endorse the plan’s proposed roll-out of a much needed, national programme for 3- to 5-year-olds. And, with access to dentistry proving one of the biggest challenges we face as a nation, the commitment to provide 700,000 additional urgent dental appointments per year will change lives, by enabling children to begin the habit of regular dental attendance, reducing the likelihood of more severe dental problems, and leading to a happier, healthier future.

“Labour’s Child Health Action Plan will deliver sound, pragmatic solutions and represents a joined-up approach that is long overdue. I welcome it with open arms.”

Professor Claire Stevens CBE, British Society of Paediatric Dentistry (BSPD) spokesperson, said:

“BSPD welcomes Labour’s commitment to create a Child Health Action Plan which will include interventions to get children’s oral health back on track. We know that using evidence-based approaches, such as targeted supervised toothbrushing programmes, helps those most in need and is cost effective in the long-term. It is vital that children’s oral health is given the focus it deserves within any comprehensive health action plan for the young.

“Poor oral health can negatively impact children’s overall wellbeing and ability to learn and thrive. Today’s children are our nation’s future – therefore a prioritisation of children is right and just. BSPD welcomes the opportunity to influence the details and content of a robust and costed plan – that must focus on the most vulnerable.”

Dr Camilla Kingdon, President of the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health, said:

“At present the UK has some of the worst child health outcomes in Europe, and child health inequalities continue to widen. It is therefore welcome to see the Labour party’s intention to publish a dedicated Child Health Action Plan, which outlines many of the calls paediatricians have been making repeatedly – including tackling paediatric waiting times, supporting the health prevention agenda and providing support for child mental health.

“It is positive to read about a cross-departmental missions delivery board for child health, as children are too often forgotten in wider policy making. These actions are useful starting points, and we look forward to seeing further detail on how they may be implemented. The future wellbeing and prosperity of our nation is dependent upon building a solid foundation of health for our next generation, and so investing in a healthy and happy childhood for all has never been more important.”  

Andy Bell, Chief Executive of the Centre for Mental Health, said:

“Children and young people’s mental health in England has got worse over the last decade, and especially since 2020. As child poverty has worsened and services supporting families have been cut, more children are experiencing poor mental health, and there are record referrals to mental health services.

“We need urgent action both to improve children’s mental health in the first place and to respond to rising levels of distress. This must include protecting the mental health of parents, carers, babies and children, promoting wellbeing in schools and colleges, and investing in early support hubs and specialist services for young people. And we need cross-government action for example to ensure every family has enough money for a healthy life and a decent home. We welcome Labour’s proposals to  improve support for children and young people’s mental health.”

Cassandra Harrison, CEO of Youth Access, said:

“For young people navigating the journey into adulthood, the route can be littered with challenges that can impact, and be impacted by, their mental health. Those who take the brave step to reach out for support are tired of being told they are ‘not sick enough’ to access specialist services. They want and deserve to be offered early support to tackle these issues and find the tools they need to thrive. 

“Open-access, Youth Information, Advice and Counselling Service (YIACS) hubs are the key to realising this vision, providing young people with whole-life support tailored to their diverse needs. This can include everything from psychological therapies to advice and help with housing and employment. But these services are often seriously stretched and underfunded, and some local areas have no provision at all.  

“No young person should face a postcode lottery to access this vital support. That’s why, as part of the Fund the Hubs campaign, we have been calling for the roll out of a national network of these services. An open access hub in every local area would make an enormous difference to ensuring that every young person has access to effective support, when and where they need it.”

Professor Peter Fonagy OBE FMedSci FBA FAcSS, Chief Executive, Anna Freud National Centre for Children & Families, said:

“Taking action to improve children and young people’s mental health should be a major priority for any future government. 

“Right now, one in five young people has a diagnosed mental health problem. Despite this, there’s a clear difference between the mental health needs of children and young people and the help that’s available to them. 

“We know from our work and research that greater support in schools, coupled with early interventions in communities where young people feel most secure are key if we want to improve mental health outcomes. You can’t choose when mental health issues may occur, but you can choose when to intervene. By working together across communities, we can all build the mental wellbeing of young people.” 

Dr Lade Smith CBE, President of the Royal College of Psychiatrists, said:

“The number of children struggling with their mental health has increased significantly in recent years, with more young people presenting to services in crisis. It is positive to see commitments being made by the Labour Party to tackle this issue and reduce NHS waiting lists.

“Every child deserves to have access to fast and effective care as soon as they need it, not weeks or even months later. Early intervention is the best way of ensuring young people don’t develop more serious and long-lasting mental illnesses which may prevent them from reaching their full potential in later life.

“With more than half of all mental ill health starting before the age of 14, it is vital that children have access to specialists who are trained to diagnose and treat such illnesses. NHS services must work more closely with schools and other community groups to identify those in need and provide them with access to such professional support when necessary.”