Kate Middleton launches landmark survey into early childhood

‘The survey aims to spark the biggest ever conversation on early childhood,’ Kensington Palace states

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The Duchess of Cambridge is launching a UK-wide online survey into early childhood.

The landmark survey, titled “Five big questions on the under fives” will give Britons a chance to offer their views on raising the next generation and will see Kate Middleton travel to Birmingham,Cardiff, Surrey and London in just 24 hours to help gather the findings.

It will comprise just five short questions designed to help shape public perceptions of the importance of the early years through first-hand experiences as offered by parents, families and carers.

A statement from Kensington Palace explains: “This public feedback will also help to focus Her Royal Highness’ work through The Royal Foundation as she endeavours to provide children across the UK with the best foundations to lead healthy and fulfilling lives.”

Kate launched the survey on Tuesday during a visit to MiniBrum, which is an interactive child-sized world at Thinktank, Birmingham Science Museum.

The mini city aims to give children a better understanding of STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) through play and problem solving.

On Wednesday, the Duchess will join parents at London Early Years Foundation Nursery in Southwark, where she will help nursery workers serve breakfast to children. The aim of her visit is to highlight the importance of nutrition to a child’s development.

After this, Kate, who currently has two children under five, will attend a baby sensory class at Ely and Careau Children’s Centre in Cardiff, which supports children with special needs and provides parental support.

Kelly Beaver, managing director of public affairs at Ipsos MORI, who will conduct the survey on behalf of The Royal Foundation, said the survey will be the first of its kind to reflect “how it feels to be a parent of an under five today”.

“The [survey] is a fantastic way for the British public to share their views about the importance of the early years.” she added.

David Holmes CBE, chief executive of the charity Family Action, said: “Every parent, carer and family wants the best for their child and raising the profile of the vital early years in a child’s life is work of national importance.

“The insight this survey will give the early years sector valuable direction in designing and delivering services and support which reflect what matters most to people.”

You can participate in the survey here.