Open letter to the Prime Minister calls for a National Baby and Toddler Guarantee

Unicef has sent an open letter to Prime Minister, Rishi Sunak, calling for the government to commit to a Baby Toddler Guarantee that would ensure equal access to vital early childhood services. The call is backed by a 50,000 signature petition from members of the public who have stressed why this issue is so important to them.

In the letter John Sparkes, Chief Executive of Unicef UK said “The first few years of a child’s life have a huge impact on their future chances – how long and healthy their life will be, whether they make friends and develop meaningful relationships, how well they do in school, and even how much money they will earn as an adult.

We must do all we can to give young children in the UK the best start. We are writing to you to ask for the UK Government to prioritise today’s children and future generations by committing to a National Baby and Toddler Guarantee. The guarantee would ensure all families with young children can access universal support services – vital services like maternity, health visiting, mental health, affordable and high-quality childcare and Special Educational Needs and Disability support – no matter who they are or where they live.”

The letter has been countersigned by more than 80 charities active in the sector.