Transcript
[MELLOW MUSIC]
DR. JACKIE MUSGRAVE
What do you see as the role of adults in supporting and improving children's health?
DR. HELEN LYNDON
I think those of us that work in early childhood services understand the holistic nature of children's development. So I think first and foremost, we know that we all need to work together, whether we are in social care, whether we're in health, or whether we're in education, because we kind understand the holistic nature of that development.
I think the EYFS goes some way to dealing with health outcomes for children. I think they are, and they're there, and they're apparent in terms of health and self care and the more recent emphasis on oral hygiene and things like that. So that's all part of the EYFS. I think those of us that work in early childhood know that we're going to get to meet with families, we're going to see families, and they'll be through the door and we'll be able to make those connections and impact there. Which is helpful.
And also the way we work in early years is very much about working in a participatory way with the children and the families. So it's about working with them to try and impact on some of those health outcomes. I think it's embedded, I think there's more that we could do to make it more of a promotion. And perhaps those of us that work in early childhood could see ourselves as perhaps promoters of early health outcomes for children. Which would perhaps take it to a next step.
DR. JACKIE MUSGRAVE
Can you give an example of an initiative that you think you could see working really well that would improve children's health outcomes?
DR. HELEN LYNDON
Yes, certainly. I think encouraging families to use those services before children are actually attending settings. So maybe thinking about connecting with new mums and inviting mums to stay in play sessions and things like that. And where those sorts of sessions happen, we can incorporate health visiting services to be there alongside those that are working in Family Services that kind of multi-agency working there.
And babies can be weighed, advice can be sought around breastfeeding, around weaning, and that's certainly in my own experiences in children's centers that was one of the more successful services that we used to offer to have those integrated. Stay and play sessions if you like.
DR. JACKIE MUSGRAVE
And how does stay and play help a child's health?
DR. HELEN LYNDON
I think providing support initially for parents, stay and play can make sure that parents don't feel necessarily isolated particularly those that are new to parenthood. Knowing that you're not on your own and that other people are facing similar problems, if you like, or challenges to yourself.
But equally, being able to demonstrate healthy bonding and attachment, and perhaps looking at healthy eating and being able to almost model things like that. Early communication and language, being able to model that kind of initial talking with even the youngest of babies and responding to their needs in that group environment will provide new parents with a bit of confidence and a bit of support as they move forward.
DR. JACKIE MUSGRAVE
So what you're saying, something like stay and play can be deceptively simple, can't it? But to use your word it addresses the complexity of child development and parent child interaction. And also is holistic because you're looking at every area of a child's development and at the same time educating the parents and giving parenting advice, but in a very non-threatening low-key way.
DR. HELEN LYNDON
Absolutely. And that's where it's participatory. You want the children, and the families, to feel that they're walking alongside you on this journey rather than a bit more of a done to approach, I think.
DR. JACKIE MUSGRAVE
Thank you, that's really interesting. And finally, what messages do you have for policymakers about what needs to be done to support, promote, and improve babies and children's health?
DR. HELEN LYNDON
I think early childhood is vital. I think it should be policy priority. And I think sometimes as a non-statutory sector overall in terms of education, it can get a little bit left behind. I think the multi-agency services that I certainly experienced in Birmingham some years ago, where I could actually see tangible differences being made for children and families. I think investment in that kind of multi-agency approach is essential.
I understand that with austerity measures funding can be problematic, but I do think that needs to be a priority rather than sitting further down the list for central government.
DR. JACKIE MUSGRAVE
Thanks. Yeah. I absolutely agree with you. And thank you so much for your time today.