Starting and developing well: early years

It is in the early years of a child’s life that we lay the building blocks for health, well-being, learning and relationships for the future.

When children have a protective, safe, secure and loving environment to grow up in they can flourish and thrive.

From pregnancy and through childhood, children benefit from a positive and stable home, with healthy and supportive relationships that enable them to become healthy and happy adults.

When a child grows up having positive experiences, they are more likely to go on to become parents who give their children the same experiences.

The First 1000 Days

The first 1,000 days of a child’s life are from the time the baby is conceived up to their second birthday and this is where the brain does most of its developing and learning for the future. 

This means that the things a child experiences during this time will have an effect on them throughout their lives. 

When children have a safe and nurturing environment to grow up in, they become resilient and more able to cope well with future life events.

Major health concerns for the first two years of life are breast feeding, immunisation and maternal mental health.

• Breastfeeding protects the health of mothers and babies. Breastfed babies are less likely to have to go to hospital with infections and are more likely to grow up with a healthy weight and without allergies.
• Immunisation a proven tool for controlling and eliminating life threatening infectious diseases is one of the most cost-effective health interventions. It is a primary health consideration for the first 1,000 days of a child’s life.
• The mental health of the mother has an impact on the child during and after pregnancy. If the mother is stressed or anxious while she is pregnant, the child is more likely to be anxious.  Mental ill health impacts on the ability to provide positive parenting and this is particularly important in the first two years of life when attachments are forming, and brain development is most rapid.

Early Years

The early years, encompassing the period from birth to approximately age seven, are crucial for a child's development and future success. 

This period is marked by rapid brain growth and the acquisition of foundational skills in language, social-emotional development, and physical abilities. 

Effective early years interventions and high-quality education in this period can significantly impact a child's learning, health, and overall well-being.

Please contact the Early Years Lead for any further information or support by emailing Katie.iceton@wales.nhs.uk.