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Strong Foundations: Our campaign to improve health in the early years

The early years of a child’s life provide the foundation for their health, development and long‑term outcomes. We're calling for strengthened health services that support babies, young children and their families.
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Read about our 'Strong Foundations' campaign, launched in May 2026

Paediatricians across the UK too often see critical chances to give every child a strong foundation for a healthy life missed. Our campaign calls for strengthened health services that support babies, young children and their families.

Read about the campaign
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Vaccinations

Childhood immunisation is one of the most effective ways to protect health in the early years and prevent avoidable illness later in life. However, vaccination uptake is falling, with widening inequalities linked to deprivation and access to services.
Our work to increase vaccination uptake
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Community health services

These services provide vital support for babies and young children but are under increasing pressure with long waits, inconsistent provision and workforce pressures.
Our work on community health services
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Child health workforce

A strong early years system requires a joined up and well supported child health workforce. We outline recommendations to support the paediatric workforce in England.
Our briefing on the child health workforce

Further College work on early years

Global child health: supporting neonatal care and early childhood development
RSV vaccination: campaigning for immunisation to protect infants
Screen time and online harms: informing conversations with families
Screen time and usage in the early years: our consultation response
National Neonatal Audit Programme: improving care

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