A new report from Public Health Wales reveals that many parents in Wales feel isolated and overwhelmed during the early years of raising a child.

The report, called Best Start in Life, outlines a plan to improve support for families with babies and young children, emphasising the need for clear, compassionate services.

The Framework clearly identifies the key components of an effective early years system and defines what good looks like in each area. Serving as a guiding light, it can support organisations, partnerships and national agencies in identifying, understanding and prioritsing the actions needed to build a stronger and more impactful early years system across Wales.

It recognises that everyone has a role to play – from professionals and policymakers to communities and families themselves. With a shared commitment to its implementation, the Framework could reduce inequalities and help transform Wales’ ambitious policy goals into meaningful, lasting improvements for babies, young children and their families.  

Parents who contributed to the engagement described wanting clear, consistent advice, and services that feel connected rather than disjointed. Many said they felt judged or unsupported when reaching out for help. The reports also highlight the need for more joined-up, accessible and compassionate services that put families at the heart of early years support in Wales. 

Amy McNaughton, Public Health Consultant and First 1000 Days Programme Lead at Public Health Wales, said: “We know that the early years shape a child’s future, but too often, parents feel judged, unheard or simply unsure where to turn. These new findings help us understand the everyday realities families in Wales are facing and the support they say they need. 

“By putting families’ voices at the heart of the Early Years Framework for Action, we can build a more responsive, inclusive system, one that recognises parents as experts in their own lives. The Framework is a practical tool to help coordinate action and turn that insight into real change. We want the framework to help services across Wales work together to reduce inequalities and give every child the best possible start in life.” 

An Early Years event in Cardiff on July 8th will discuss the importance of early years and showcase ways to reduce inequalities for families.