Early years and early intervention in Scotland

We have always known the earliest years of life are crucial to a child’s development. However, it is increasingly evident that it is in the first years of life that inequalities in health, education and employment opportunities are passed from one generation to another. The early years framework signals local and national government’s joint commitment to break this cycle through prevention and early intervention. In short we aim to give every child in Scotland the best start in life. 

The framework will mark a fundamental shift away from dealing with the symptoms of inequality – violence, poor physical and mental health, low achievement and attainment at school – and rebalances our focus towards identifying and managing the risks early in life that perpetuate inequality. Improving outcomes and tackling entrenched inequality will not be achieved overnight. We recognise that we cannot simply stop dealing with social problems that are with us now. This is why we are jointly committed to develop for the long term a strategic approach to early years. The benefits of early intervention can only be realised by prioritising resources across local government, the health service and the entire public sector. However, the transition to prioritising early years and early intervention will be managed carefully to ensure it is deliverable and affordable.

A child’s world in the early years of life is largely defined by the family. We know that a child brought up in a stable and nurtured environment is better placed to succeed in life, than a child from a less secure background. We therefore believe that the biggest gains in improved outcomes and reduced inequality will come from supporting parents – to help them help themselves – and by creating communities which are positive places to grow up.

An Integrated Strategy for the Early Years – 2003

Health Scotland's website

section on the early years

Health Scotland's Early Years