UNICEF UK responds to new ONS figures released today on children’s development

London, 24 November 2022 – The UK Committee for UNICEF (UNICEF UK) responds to new figures released today (Thursday 24 November 22) from the UK Government’s Office of National Statistics on children’s development at the end of the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS).

 

Claire O’Meara, Head of UK Policy at The UK Committee for UNICEF (UNICEF UK) said:

 

“This data clearly shows the devastating impact of the pandemic on our youngest children and their futures. 
 
“More than 1 in 3 children* – 11 children in every class in England – are starting school behind in their ability to speak, listen, make friends, and learn. These children are much less likely to catch up later on, putting them at a life-long disadvantage before they can even tie their own shoelaces. 

 
“Increased pressure and under-investment in services means that families across the UK are still not getting the vital support they need. Experiences in the first few years of life dramatically shape children’s life chances – how long and healthy their life will be, whether they will make friends or succeed in school, even how much money they will earn.   

 

“The UK Committee for UNICEF (UNICEF UK)’s Early Moments Matter campaign is calling on the UK Government to deliver a ‘National Baby and Toddler Guarantee’ to ensure every child and family can access the support they need, when they need it. Whoever they are and wherever they are born.”