The early years are a critical time for children’s development. Parents’ engagement in their children’s early development and learning has an impact on children’s later educational and life experiences and parents differ in their levels of engagement.

Parental disadvantage, for example lower household income and lower education level, can affect child wellbeing and development. It has been linked to poorer child physical, emotional and cognitive development.

Parents and the family and home environment play a central role in the early learning and development of infants and children. A range of interventions exist to support parents and families, particularly in situations where the family is vulnerable and/or where the infant or child may be at risk of delays in learning or development...

This briefing paper describes the extent to which interventions for parents and families can improve child physical health and wellbeing outcomes.

Parents and the family and home environment play a central role in the early learning and development of infants and children. A range of interventions exist to support parents and families, particularly in situations where the family is vulnerable and/or where the infant or child may be at risk of delays in learning or development...