1001 Critical Days This is the timeframe from conception to age 2. “There is a growing acknowledgement that those first early years of a child’s life are absolutely crucial. Getting it right as parents with professional help and public resource to support where needed has the potential to make a huge difference to how that child will grow into an adult contributing to society.” Tim Loughton MP for East Worthing & Shoreham and Co- chair of the All Party Parliamentary Group Conception to Age 2: first 1001 days

Why are the 1001 Critical Days so important? Babies are disproportionately vulnerable to abuse and neglect. In England they are seven times more likely to be killed than older children. Around 26% of babies (198,000) in the UK are estimated to be living within complex family situations, of heightened risk where there are problems such as substance misuse, mental illness or domestic violence. 36% of serious case reviews involve a baby under one.

How can we make a difference? This time frame is vitally important for brain development and supporting parents to develop a sensitive and responsive relationship with their baby will have a lifelong impact on that baby’s mental and emotional health. The contacts that parents have with services in this timeframe are the opportunity to support them to give their children the best possible start in life.

What happens if we don’t get it right? More children and families needing tier 3 and 4 services Children growing up without the emotional health that they need to cope with disruptive issues in life Children growing up to achieve less educationally, earn less and be less healthy A cycle of harm perpetuated in the following generation

The National Manifesto The National Manifesto was relaunched in December 2015 with support from all major political parties. See for national detailhttp:// It was the subject of a parliamentary debate in December and continues to be very high profile Local authorities challenged to make a response

Support for the 1001 Critical Days

Northamptonshire’s 1001 Critical Days Manifesto Northamptonshire was the first local authority to launch a Local Manifesto Launch event on 25 th January 2016 when over 30 key partner organisations signed to demonstrate their commitment to improving services in the conception to age 2 period. Watch the event live at Find the manifesto at

Our commitments 1 Evidence-based services which promote parent-infant interaction for at-risk families and those experiencing difficulties Appropriate support at the earliest opportunity for women who are at risk or suffering from mental health problems Ante natal classes which address both the physical and emotional aspects of parenthood and the baby’s well- being Services working closely together to share vital data

Our commitments 2 High quality training in infant mental health and attachment for the early years and health workforce Needs Assessments and Strategies that consider the social and emotional health needs of babies, and cost-benefit analysis to consider the benefit of invetment in the first 1001 days. Children’s Centres providing universal services, but with a focus on families with the highest need. Supporting parents to engage and communicate with children to strengthen early attachment and language development.

What happens next? All encouraged to display the Manifesto as a reminder of the commitment No one person, group or organisation leading this work – collective responsibility to honour commitments Monitored through Early Help Partnership Where will we be a year from now?

Deborah Wallis Strategic Early Years Officer