Childhood 'Development-Gap' Piles Pressure On NHS, Warns Charity Chairman

WINSFORD, U.K. - Sept. 9, 2013 - PRLog -- A shocking new report that reveals some four year olds start their school lives in nappies and unable to speak or recognise their own name illustrates the childhood development gap that is putting  pressure on the NHS, according to children’s charity chairman Pamela Barnes.

The failure of some parents to equip their offspring with basic but essential social and communication skills before they begin their education, often leads to behavioural problems for which they are ultimately referred for treatment by hospital based paediatricians.

“This is one of the reasons GPs services and NHS hospitals are so busy,” added Mrs Barnes, head of the charity Action for Sick Children, who said she was not surprised by the Centre for Social Justice report, which also revealed that some children starting school were unable to socialise and acted as though they were just 12 to 18 months old.

The report also claims that six per cent of four and five year old boys do not know that English is read from left to right and from top to bottom. And researchers found that some children were aggressive because they had not had strong interaction with adults and other children.

“The findings of this report supports those of Action for Sick Children’s recent ‘First Contact Survey’, which was based on the experiences of parents, carers and guardians seeking medical help when a child is unwell,” explained Mrs Barnes. “ Our survey clearly illustrated the fact that parents strongly believe there should be more classes and help for mums- to- be to assist them in the very early stage of parenthood.

“By providing first time mums and dads with the essential skills to enable their offspring to develop and communicate properly, we will avoid some of the developmental problems that can too often lead to the involvement of paediatricians and other medical specialists.

“Sending a child to a good nursery before they start school will also enable him or her to further develop their communication and social skills which will make them more prepared for school and more comfortable with their surroundings.

“Supporting new mums and dads in the early days of parenthood can pay huge dividends – strengthening the family unit and saving the sometimes considerable cost of involving health service professionals.”

For further information about Action for Sick Children, click onto: www.actionforsickchildren.org

ENDS