The PSB has identified the Best Start in Life as one of its four priority Areas of Focus, reflecting a shared commitment across all partners to reduce inequalities from the earliest stages of life, recognising that the foundations for lifelong health, learning and wellbeing are laid in the early years.
Enabling EVERY baby and child in Gwent to have the best start in life is about ensuring all babies and children have the optimal conditions necessary for healthy physical, emotional and cognitive development and supporting them to reach their potential.
Child development is influenced not only by healthcare access but by wider social determinants such as housing, income, education, employment and the environment. Addressing these contributory factors is essential to giving every baby and child the best start in life and supporting them to thrive.
Inequalities in the early years are significant contributors to inequalities in adulthood, impacting health, wellbeing, education and employment outcomes. Supporting optimal development during pregnancy, infancy and childhood is therefore key.
Enabling every baby and child the best start in life for the Gwent region encompasses ages 0–7 years, including:
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Connect • Learn • Share good practice
The Best Start in Life Community of Practice (CoP) is a dedicated space for Early Years Professionals across Gwent who work with families from pregnancy to age 7. It brings people together to connect, share knowledge, celebrate successes and strengthen how we work together to give EVERY baby and child the best start in life.
By joining this growing community, you become part of a supportive network committed to embedding family voices and promoting equity, inclusion and opportunity for every child to thrive.
Take part in expert led webinars exploring key topics that support your role and everyday practice in the early years. These sessions offer practical insight, shared learning and opportunities for reflection and discussion. You can help shape future topics by sharing your expertise.
Our quarterly enewsletters spotlight work happening across Gwent to support a Best Start in Life. They are shaped by you, and by the lived experiences and voices of babies, children and families across Gwent.
Members are encouraged to contribute articles, resources, toolkits, guidance and examples of good practice, to help shape each edition.
👉 Complete the Submission Form to get involved.
Connect with colleagues from across the early years system, share experiences, and learn from both the successes and challenges of others working with babies, children and families.
Sign up here to become a member.
If you have any queries or want to get involved, please email us at abb.bsil.cop@wales.nhs.uk
