Tale of Two Cities Early Years is not only about responding to need today. It is about changing the system that allows children to fall behind before school even begins.
Across England, policy recognises the importance of nutrition and support once children reach Reception. Yet the youngest children, those under four, are excluded from equivalent support at the very stage when development is most sensitive to poverty, stress and instability.
This project exists to challenge that gap. By combining local evidence, lived experience and cross sector leadership, we are working to ensure early years policy reflects the reality of children’s lives and delivers support when it matters most.
Current national policy provides universal free school meals from Reception to Year 2. Children under 4, despite facing the highest risk of poverty related developmental delay, receive no equivalent support.
By the time help begins, many children are already behind.
Up to 90 percent of brain development happens before the age of 5. During this period, hunger, stress and lack of stimulation can have lasting effects on learning, behaviour and wellbeing.
A system that delays intervention until statutory school age misses the most effective window to prevent inequality from becoming entrenched.
Our advocacy focuses on reform that reflects evidence on early childhood development and deprivation.
We are calling for:
These changes would ensure support reaches children at the point it has the greatest impact.
You do not need to work in policy to help shape it. Supporting this campaign strengthens the evidence base and amplifies the collective call for early intervention and fair funding.
A fair start in life should not depend on age or postcode. By advocating for early intervention and smarter policy, we can build a system that supports children from the very beginning.
