West Berkshire Faces Childhood Poverty Crisis

Around a third of people in early pregnancy in West Berkshire are categorised as obese, according to health bosses.

And 11 per cent of children in the district (that's 3,398) under the age of 16 are classified as living in poverty.

The local director of public health report suggests ways to support parents and children and highlights good work by Home-Start, Get Berkshire Active, Swings & Smiles and Royal Berkshire NHS Foundation Trust.

One in six five-year-olds have tooth decay. While childhood immunisation rates are above the national target for most jabs, uptake varies across different groups, with children in care significantly lower than the national average.

Recommendations include investing in parent support programmes, boosting Healthy Start voucher take-up, improving school readiness and oral health, and ensuring comprehensive parent support classes.

Since work on the report began, the Government has announced measures through its 'Giving Every Child the Best Start in Life' strategy, spearheaded by early education minister and Reading West and Mid Berkshire MP Olivia Bailey.

The fund aims to ensure 75 per cent of five-year-olds reach a good developmental level by 2028.

"Best Start Family Hubs are already opening doors for families across the country - but I want every council to be bolder and go further than what came before," said Ms Bailey. "My message to every area is simple: this is your moment to raise your ambition for the families."

Family hubs in West Berkshire run events and sessions from centres in Newbury, Calcot, Thatcham and Hungerford, providing advice and support for families with children up to 19 (up to 24 for those with special educational needs and disabilities).

Niki Hinman, Local Democracy Reporter