We hope that through the breadth of ‘Health Matters - giving every child the best start in life’ content, we have made the case for investment of time and money in early years services (from pregnancy to age 2) but a question may remain; what tools and resources are available to support professionals in making an impact?
Early years profiles
NHS England and the Child and Maternal Health Intelligence Network have developed a health profile of public health outcomes relating to early years (children aged 0-5 years). Using the profiles, you can see at a glance how your local area performs against key indicators. You can also compare the data with other local authorities and nationally.
Children and young people's health benchmarking tool
This tool presents a selection of indicators that are relevant to the health and wellbeing of children and young people. For instance you can check local level data on breastfeeding initiation and rates at 6-8 weeks.
Reducing unintentional injuries
Our guidance on reducing unintentional injuries in and around the home among children under five sets out three action areas for local authorities and their partners that will reduce the numbers of children injured and killed.
Perinatal and infant mental health
We have produced a resource which brings together data and evidence on mental health in the antenatal and postnatal periods, and the social and emotional development and wellbeing of babies and toddlers. It can be used to inform local needs assessments by giving commissioners an indication of perinatal and infant mental health need in their area. Read our blog for more information on this resource.
NICE guidance
In this edition of Health Matters we’ve flagged a range of important NICE guidance which can help ensure we give children the best start in life. We’d particularly like to highlight:
- National guidance on interventions to support quitting smoking in pregnancy and following childbirth
- Guidance on domestic violence and abuse
- Guidance on reducing differences in immunisation uptake
Teenage conceptions
We have developed a range of resources to support teenage conception service improvement. These include a range of data, modelling/maps and support or training.
Oral health
Our toolkit can help healthcare professionals encourage good oral health from an early age.
Health Matters
Health Matters is a resource for professionals which brings together the latest data and evidence, makes the case for effective public health interventions and highlights tools and resources that can facilitate local or national action. Visit the Health Matters area of GOV.UK or sign up to receive the latest updates through our e-bulletin. If you found this blog helpful, please view other Health Matters blogs.