TEY_10_1_2020

Why the First 1,000 Days matter most C hildren who have a poor start in life tend to feel the repercussions throughout their existence. Adverse Childhood Experiences – such as violence or substance abuse within the home, parental separation, incarceration or mental health issues – result in poorer health, a lower socio- economic status and even an earlier death, as explored last issue. However, this is not restricted to older children as may be easier to grasp: this starts from the day of conception. The ‘First 1,000 Days’ study (bit. do/TEYftd) was commissioned by the government in an attempt to address the inequalities in people’s lives and reduce the adverse effects on people’s future wellbeing. It covers the first 1,000 days, which runs from conception to the age of around two. This is a critical phase, as it’s when the building blocks of body and brain development are formed: if they’re formed well, life chances tend to be good. If children are failed at this point, their futures have already been dealt a huge blow. People can appreciate the results of mothers smoking, drinking alcohol or taking illicit drugs during pregnancy: we can comprehend that cell growth could be inhibited or changed in some way. However, an unhealthy increase in stress hormones, such as cortisol, released due to extended levels of tension, can also affect the cellular level of a foetus, not only causing miscarriage, but foetal growth retardation, premature birth and postnatal delays (Poggi-Davies & Sandman, 2006). However, the effects of poor housing or poverty are less overt. A simple example can be toilet training and substandard housing. Potty training is miserable enough, but add a lack of heating or hot water, or no washing machine or garden. Throw in a hung-over, distracted or aggressive LORRAINE JENKIN IS AN AUTHOR WHO HAS BEEN INVOLVED IN CHILDCARE FOR SEVERAL YEARS. parent, and it’s easy to see why many children are entering school not toilet trained. The parent is disadvantaged by having to spend scarce resources on nappies, but the child has failed to hit another milestone and risks missing / being sent home from school, plus negative reactions from staff and peers. Instead of being educated and socialised, valuable time is spent on something that could have been done in the home two years prior. The food choices a child has during weaning can reflect those throughout 74 Teachearlyyears.com CHILDREN IN AREAS OF HIGH DISADVANTAGE NOT ‘SCHOOL READY’ AT AGE FIVE. 50% SOURCE: ‘First 1,000 Days Of Life’ Report, 2019 their lives. A child fed a range of healthy foods is likely to continue, and their health will benefit accordingly. A parent who has little money, inadequate cooking facilities or a lack of education about the importance of diet, may be more likely to use convenience or junk food, which will not only direct their child’s life palate, but may also result in a failure to thrive. In addition to this, many stresses during the First 1,000 Days are not related to a woman’s socio-economic standing. Domestic abuse or mental illness are often hidden from health workers: those women who have the outside appearance of coping (especially if they are not first-time mums) will be expected to manage, but their lives may be more chaotic than realised. Sharing support So, where do nurseries enter the equation? Foremost is being aware of the First 1,000 Days’ crucial role in the health of a foetus and young child. Most nursery staff will know that fresh air, exercise, healthy snacks and meals,

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