Well-being in the Early Years and Childhood

Abstract

Abstract A third of children in the UK are growing up and living in poverty. Post COVID-19 pandemic, this figure is rising due to a cost of living crisis. Investment that focuses on the critical window of the first few years of life is likely to provide the most efficient use of public resources, yielding returns over and above other forms of financial investment and investment at other points of the life-course. This chapter explores the economic case for investment in the early years and childhood, helping to ensure that children are as healthy as possible and well nourished, receive high-quality early-learning opportunities, and are nurtured and protected from harm. This chapter focuses on topics such as adverse childhood experiences (ACEs), maternal mental health, growing up in poverty, housing, preschool experience, early years vaccinations, dental health, and free school meals. This chapter concludes with curiosity questions for the reader to consider.