A child's experiences during their first 1,000 days lay the foundations for their whole future, a new report claims.

In her latest work, Croydon’s Director for Public Health Rachel Flowers puts a spotlight on the first 1,000 days of a child’s life to demonstrate the effect early experiences can have.

From preconception to age two, every aspect of a child’s world – including their parents’ and carers’ income, housing, neighbourhoods, social relationships, age and ethnic group – is shaping their adult life, she argues.

Ms Flowers said: “These first 1,000 days for a child are fundamentally important because they lay the foundations for the rest of their lives.

"By prioritising health before pregnancy and increasing our understanding about what being healthy for pregnancy means, we can ensure that parents and communities are in the best possible position to bring Croydon’s children into the world.

“A healthy start in life gives each child an equal chance to thrive and grow into an adult who makes a positive contribution to the community.

"It is well documented that inequalities result in poor health, social, educational and economic outcomes across the whole of the life course and across generations.

"We all have a role to play in improving their transition from childhood to adolescence and into adult life and breaking cycles of inequalities where they exist.”

The report focuses on how 'Adverse Childhood Experiences' can negatively impact on children as they grow up.

Stressful and disruptive childhoods are significantly more likely to lead to health-harming or anti-social behaviours, such as performing poorly in school or becoming involved in crime.

However, Ms Flowers emphasises that a trusted adult and other factors can help give children the resilience to thrive despite these challenging experiences.

Brain development starts just after conception, continuing at a rapid pace through the first years of life.

"Talking, playing and singing are all simple activities that help make vital connections between brain cells.

Ms Flowers stresses the importance of stimulating environments and positive relationships with carers in these first two years.

All Directors of Public Health are required to produce an independent annual report on the health of their local population, highlighting key issues that impact on them.

To read the report in full visit: https://democracy.croydon.gov.uk/documents/s11489/Appendix%201%20-%20Annual%20Report%20of%20the%20Director%20of%20Public%20Health%202018.pdf