The Early Years Framework
On 10 December 2008, The Early Years Framework was launched, signifying the Scottish Government and CoSLA's commitment to the earliest years of life being crucial to a child's development.
It is increasingly evident that inequalities in health, education and employment opportunities are passed from one generation to another. The framework signals local and national government's joint commitment to break this cycle through prevention and early intervention and give every child in Scotland the best start in life.
It is during our very earliest years and even pre-birth that a large part of the pattern for our future adult life is set. The early years are therefore a key opportunity to shape a positive future for Scotland. This framework will maximise the opportunities for all our children to get the best start in life, no matter what their background or circumstances. As set out in the joint policy statement published on 18 March this year, the framework is built on the principles of early intervention – a shift from intervening only when a crisis happens to prevention and early intervention.
The document is published in two parts. The first part sets out the case for action in the early years, along with our vision for giving children the best start in life; ten elements of transformational change; priorities for action; how we will move forward with this in the context of the National Performance Framework and Single Outcome Agreements; and a section on realignment of resources.
This framework has been developed with the input of a large number of stakeholders from a variety of sectors and this is reflected in the second part of the document, which expands on the themes set out in part one.
Scottish Government news release: Support for children and families