We are excited to see The Duchess of Cambridge launch 5 Big Questions, a trailblazing UK-wide survey aiming to change the lives of future generations. The survey follows eight years of work and research, and will spark the biggest ever conversation on early childhood, giving the nation a unique opportunity to have their say on raising the future of the country.
Research has shown the vital importance of the early years to everyone’s lives. The experiences we all go through from the womb to five years old have a profound and lasting impact on our future. These years lie at the root of the hardest social challenges the country faces today and every response to the survey will contribute to bringing about positive, lasting change for generations to come.
The findings will provide vital information for the early years sector and start to give parents and carers the support they need, alongside helping children build resilience to any adversities they might face. It will also help to focus The Duchess of Cambridge’s ongoing work with The Royal Foundation to give children across the country the best possible start in leading a healthy and fulfilling life.
Her Royal Highness said:
“We are at the heart of raising the next generation. The science proves the importance of the early years, but the next step is knowing how best to support parents and families to do the best job they can. I really believe so passionately in the early years, and being able to listen to how best we can provide support in communities across the country I think is really vital.”
Following the initial survey launch, The Duchess of Cambridge visited Stockwell Gardens LEYF Nursery to talk to parents and staff about the importance of the #5BigQuestions. LEYF is a social enterprise which aims to strengthen local networks, and demonstrate the role that everyone has in ensuring strong, healthy foundations for the youngest in our society that will positively affect their lifelong outcomes.
During the visit, Her Royal Highness met chefs and apprentices from the LEYF Chef Academy where she heard about the importance of nutritious food for a child’s development. The LEYF Chef Academy offers a specialist qualification for chefs who are either working or keen to work with children. It was designed to strengthen the important roles chefs play in educating staff and parents, and influencing children’s healthy food choices.
Speaking about the #5BigQuestions, June Macdonald, CEO of LEYF Nurseries, said:
“The 5 key questions that are being asked are raising the broader issues. They open up a conversation, and that’s really what we need is a national conversation.”
We want to hear from you! Now is the time to listen to the country, to hear what they have to say, and to start a national conversation on the under-fives. It takes just one minute to answer the survey. Share it using #5BigQuestions, and let’s get the conversation started.
