Opinion: Why the Government must match our commitment to helping babies and families thrive in the first 1001 days
31 OCTOBER 2025 - NURSERY WORLD
Philanthropy and local charities are transforming lives in the early years, but they can’t do it alone, Government must stand alongside them, says the 1001 Critical Days Foundation, Home-Start Edinburgh and Stepping Stones North Edinburgh.
The first 1001 days, from pregnancy to age two, are when the foundations for lifelong health and wellbeing are built. During this time, a baby’s brain develops at astonishing speed. Every experience, from warmth and love to stress and neglect, shapes the developing brain and, ultimately, the kind of adult that baby grows up to become.
When babies are surrounded by safety, consistency and care, they are more likely to thrive, developing the confidence, resilience and curiosity that underpin healthy lives. But when early relationships are disrupted by trauma or stress, the effects can last a lifetime. That’s why the mission of the 1001 Critical Days Foundation is to help ensure that every baby, everywhere, experiences the best start in life, creating the conditions for a happier, healthier society.
A Partnership for Babies’ Futures
The new partnership between the 1001 Critical Days Foundation, Home-Start Edinburgh and Stepping Stones North Edinburgh embodies that mission in action.The two Edinburgh-based charities have been awarded £226,000 over three years from the Foundation’s inaugural £1million grants programme to expand their Bump Start initiative.
Bump Start provides holistic, relationship-based support for parents during pregnancy and early parenthood. The programme will reach up to 200 babies across Edinburgh, helping parents to feel confident, supported and equipped to nurture their babies’ emotional and practical needs.
Building Safety from the Start
Emma’s story shows what this means in practice. When she was referred to Bump Start, she was 16 weeks pregnant, caring for a toddler and rebuilding her life after fleeing domestic abuse. Through compassionate, consistent support, Emma transformed her home into a safe, calm space for her children. When her baby arrived prematurely, she felt ready to comfort and care for her newborn, knowing she wasn’t alone.
Our collaboration is about more than funding; it’s about shared purpose. The Foundation’s grant is enabling trusted local charities to build on deep community knowledge and relationships, demonstrating how national philanthropy and local expertise can drive long-term change.
To achieve this, Government must ensure that support during the first 1001 days is universal, that it is available to every baby and parent, in every community, not only where charities happen to be fortunate enough to receive grant funding. The early years are too important to depend on geography or chance; every family deserves access to consistent, high-quality support from pregnancy and throughout
the critical 1001 days.
The Edinburgh partnership is an inspiring milestone, proof that when philanthropy and frontline charities unite around a shared vision, babies and families thrive. Now, Government must match that commitment and scale it nationally. Because when we invest in the first 1001 days, we’re not only helping babies to flourish, we’re also laying the foundations for a happier, healthier and more prosperous society.
Co-authored by the Rt Hon Dame Andrea Leadsom, founder and chair of the Trustees for the 1001 Critical Days Foundation, Eliza Waye, chief executive of Home-Start Edinburgh, and Morag Wilson of Stepping Stones North Edinburgh.