Giving Every Child the Best Start in Life - Statement

Part of the debate – in the House of Lords at 7:33 pm on 7 July 2025.

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Photo of Baroness Smith of Malvern Baroness Smith of Malvern Minister of State (Education), Minister of State (Minister for Women and Equalities) 7:33, 7 July 2025

May I start by congratulating my noble friend on his grandfatherly duties. He makes an important point about the contribution that parents and indeed grandparents can make to children’s earliest development. That is why, as part of the best start family hubs, we are providing support for parents. We are supporting them to read with their children and grandchildren and helping them with behaviour issues—which I am sure my noble friend’s grandchild definitely will not have. All these things are very helpful. We will move as quickly as possible on the action to improve the recruitment of early years workers with the £4,500 financial incentive and the professional register, both of which recognise the urgency of ensuring that we have the right people in place to deliver the quality of care and education that our youngest children deserve.