Background and policy
In 1999 the White Paper Towards a Healthier Scotland (external link) identified children’s health as a key driver in improving the health of the people of Scotland.
In 2008, the Early Years Framework (external website) was launched, signifying a commitment to the earliest years of life being crucial to a child's development. Health inequalities travel from early life into adulthood. The framework signals commitment across the public sector to break this cycle through prevention and early intervention and give every child in Scotland the best start in life.
This is supported by the wider policy document Equally Well (2008) (external website) which highlights a key area of focus in tackling Health Inequalities in the Early Years, saying ‘Children's very early years, where inequalities may first arise and influence the rest of people's lives.’
Other policies which influence the Early Years agenda include:
- Health For All Children (2005) (external website) aims to refocus health service support in the early years to ensure that it is concentrated on where the need is greatest.
- Getting it right for every child (2005) (external website) identifies the need for agencies to work together closely to ensure children are safe, nurtured and healthy.
- Hidden Harm – Next Steps: Supporting Children – Working with Parents (2006) (external website) addresses the issues for children and young people affected by parental substance misuse.
- Achieving our potential (2008) (external website) sets out a Framework to tackle poverty and income inequality in Scotland.
Reviewed 7 April 2010