More than 80 charities, early years experts and celebrities are urging the government to commit to a national baby and toddler guarantee to ensure equal access to early childhood services, in an open letter to Prime Minister Rishi Sunak.
The letter, coordinated by UNICEF, calls on the government to commit to the guarantee to help families with babies and young children access basic support services, including maternity, health visiting, mental health, affordable and high-quality childcare and special educational needs and disability (SEND) support.
It states that these services are a “vital lifeline to parents at this crucial time in their children’s lives”, particularly for those facing financial hardship.
“We know that with reduced funds and prices rising, local authorities have been forced to make impossible choices,” the letter adds. “The universal services that many new parents need are not there for everyone.”
