Children in Wales, on behalf of the Early Years Action Group (EYAG), is today launching its manifesto for babies and young children ahead of the Senedd Election in 2026. The manifesto calls on all political parties to make babies and young children a priority across all areas of policy and legislation, recognising the critical importance of the early years in shaping lifelong outcomes.

Every baby in Wales deserves the best start in life: to be happy, healthy, and nurtured, with the care and attention they need to grow and thrive. The first 1,000 days, from conception to age two, represent a unique window of opportunity. During this period, the foundations for lifelong health, learning, and wellbeing are laid. What happens in these early days can shape the rest of a child’s life.

The manifesto sets out clear calls to action for all political parties, including:

  • Ensuring children’s rights are applied from birth through full incorporation of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) into Welsh law and increased awareness of how these rights apply to babies and very young children.
  • Putting babies and young children at the heart of policy making by investing in local community hubs, supporting specialist parent-infant relationship services, and appointing a Cabinet Secretary for babies, children and young people.
  • Investing in early support for families to ensure they can access the help they need, when they need it, wherever they live.
  • Working to eradicate poverty for babies and young children, ensuring every family has an adequate income and access to essential items such as baby bundles and financial support.

Speaking on behalf of the Early Years Action Group, Anna Westall said:

“Babies’ brains are developing faster than they ever will again. What happens during these early days shapes the rest of their lives. We are calling on all political parties in Wales to commit to recognising and meeting the needs of babies and young children, ensuring they and their families are at the heart of policy and decision-making.”

Leo Holmes, Head of Policy and Advocacy at Early Years Wales, added:

“We are delighted to support the Early Years Action Group Manifesto, which calls for babies and young children to be put at the heart of policy making. The manifesto highlights the devastating impact of poverty on early development and why government investment to eradicate child poverty is vital. By combining immediate action with longer term policy initiatives, the calls are values driven and envision a future rooted in equity. It was an honour to contribute to this work.”

The Early Years Action Group brings together leading third sector organisations focused on improving outcomes in the early years. Convened by Children in Wales, members include BookTrust Cymru, Early Years Wales, Home-Start Cymru, Mudiad Meithrin, Save the Children Cymru, NSPCC Wales, Play Wales, the Parent Infant Foundation, and NYAS. The manifesto is available to read in full here, and Children in Wales welcomes feedback from members and partners ahead of the final publication later this year.