A new campaign from the Department for Education, in conjunction with the Department of Health and Social Care’s Office for Health Improvement and Disparities (OHID), has launched to improve childhood early language and help to close the attainment gap between disadvantaged children and their peers.

Some of the most disadvantaged children in the UK start school months behind their peers and the gap can grow through their school years and into their adult life. This issue has further increased during the pandemic, with a rise in the number of children starting school with language skills poorer than would have been expected prior. 

The campaign aims to encourage parents and carers to chat, play and read more with their children to develop their communication, language and literacy skills before starting school. The aim is to empower parents and help them overcome the key barriers they face, such as lack of time, confidence and not knowing the types of activities they should be doing.

The reality is that these activities take little time, can happen anywhere and can be easily integrated into a daily routine. All the little things parents do with their child – like everyday conversations, make-believe play and reading together – make a big difference to their development. And, ultimately, it is as rewarding for parents and carers as it is for their children.

Cllr Diane Roscoe, Sefton Council’s Cabinet Member for Education said:
“Early years and infant teachers tell us that they can quickly tell the children who are talked, to engaged with and played with because they arrive at school more confident, inquisitive, eager to learn and ready to enjoy school life to the full.

“This puts them at a distinct advantage and is the reason why following the guidance in the Start for Life campaign and carrying out the simple quick and fun activities with our children is so important to their development and future life opportunities.”

The main objective of the campaign will be to encourage parents for search ‘Start for Life’ or visit the Start for Life online hub at www.nhs.uk/start4life. There they can find ideas of activities to do with their children, and explore where to find further support in their local area.