Life experiences in the first 1,000 days can have long-term implications for a child’s health, growth and development, an updated framework for NI’s universal child health promotion programme emphasises.
There is growing evidence in favour of placing a greater focus on the first 1,000 days, from conception to age two. This is a central theme of the refreshed Healthy Child, Healthy Future framework.
Ensuring families have access to universal services that support and empower them during this critical period of a baby’s brain development will ultimately improve long-term outcomes for children and families, and help tackle health inequalities.
Health Minister Mike Nesbitt said the framework was grounded in the very latest evidence, as well as the belief that every child and young person deserves the opportunity to thrive, regardless of background or circumstance.
“We know that the first 1,000 days of life are critical,” the Minister said.
“What happens in those early years shapes everything that follows. Early intervention leads to better health and wellbeing, stronger learning and development, more resilient communities, and ultimately better outcomes.
“That’s why this framework places such strong emphasis on the early years, not just as a starting point, but as the foundation for lifelong wellbeing. This framework reflects the voices of professionals, service users, and community partners, and it sets a clear direction for child health in Northern Ireland.”
The refreshed framework was launched at an event in Parliament Buildings attended by more than 100 people, including school nurses, health visitors, service user representatives, and other key stakeholders.
The framework sets out a universal public health programme that offers every family with children a programme of assessment, screening, surveillance, immunisations, developmental reviews, information and guidance to support parenting and healthy choices so that children and families achieve their optimum health and wellbeing.
It applies from pregnancy to all stages of childhood up to age 19, combining universal provision with targeted support designed to help reduce inequalities and ensure families at greater risk of marginalisation are better supported.
The framework also responds to the growing demand for special educational needs support in schools, recommending that early identification pathways be strengthened, and that children with additional needs receive timely advice, support, and onward referral.
In addition to the existing health visiting and school nurse contacts, the framework proposes enhanced health visiting contacts in the first 1,000 days, new developmental reviews, and school nurse-led Primary 7 transition support.
The Minister added: “Delivering this refreshed framework will require a phased and carefully managed approach. It is important to emphasise that it builds on strong foundations. The core universal contacts remain in place and are currently funded.
“I have been clear about the significant financial and resource pressures facing my Department, and whilst some enhancements can be progressed within existing resources, we will look in future years to prioritise resources to support the further changes we set out.
“I believe there is a strong and unwavering commitment to this evidenced-based framework. It is a cornerstone of our vision for a healthier, fairer Northern Ireland, and I will continue to press the case for sustained additional funding for health and social care.”
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