BBC Children in Need pledges early years investment boost

BBC Children In Need is to boost its investment in projects that support pre-school age children.

Through its refreshed Early Years strategy it will increase funding in family support for babies and toddlers and on play based initiatives.

It will also look to target early years provision “where it’s needed most” to tackle inequality of support.

Championing the use of evidence and growing partnership working are other aspects of the early years strategy. This includes collaborating with partners to increase opportunities for younger children.

The pledge has emerged in the funder’s first impact report and follows a UK government commitment to ensure that at least three in four 5-year-olds are school ready.

“As humans, our first 1,001 days have a significant long-term impact on our lives, affecting everything from our physical and mental health to future relationships and even earning potential,” said the funder.

“At BBC Children in Need, we believe that all children have the right to the support and opportunities they need to be their best from the very start.”

It added: “Looking ahead, our refreshed Early Years strategy aims to strengthen the support babies and young children receive from birth to the start of school, where positive relationships have the greatest potential to make a difference in the long term.”

Mental health support

BBC Children in Need’s impact report details that 363,000 children and young people have been supported in the UK over the last year.

It has funded 1,600 projects with £96.1m, in areas including mental health support, tackling poverty, improving social equity and improving childhood experiences for those affected by family challenges.

The report said it will continue to tackle poverty, inequity and improve mental health and support youth workers, who provide “trusted relationships” with young people to help them feel “seen, safe and valued”.

“As challenges intensify, so does our commitment,” said BBC Children in Need interim chief officer for children and families Fozia Irfan.

“Together, with communities, partners and young people, we will keep showing up, keep listening and keep working for a future where every child has the chance to thrive.”