NSPCC calls for renewed early years focus ahead of Holyrood vote

A new report from the NSPCC reviews more than 25 years of early years policy in Scotland, urging political parties to prioritise sustained investment and stronger national leadership to improve outcomes for babies, young children and their families.

Charity leaders are calling on political parties to make support for early childhood development a priority ahead of the Scottish Parliament elections.

The National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children (NSPCC) has published a review of over 25 years of early years policy in Scotland, examining how successive governments have approached services and support for children under five and their families.

Rachel Love, NSPCC Scotland senior policy officer and report author, said:

This report explores the early years policy and initiatives implemented by the Scottish Government, and previously the Scottish Executive and makes recommendations for prioritising support for children under five and their families.

“We wanted to find out to what extent the early years have been a national policy priority in Scotland since devolution.

The report highlights that the Scottish government has shown a strong understanding of the importance of early years intervention and prevention, but prioritisation has been inconsistent.

Several recommendations are made, including the development of a comprehensive early years strategy led by a Minister for Early Years.

Click here to read the full report.