The early years of a child’s life (0-5) are a period of extraordinary growth. During this time, children develop the physical, social, and emotional skills that shape their ability to learn, build relationships, and thrive as adults. When children are supported early, the impact can last a lifetime. When they are not, the consequences can follow them well into adulthood. 

Evidence consistently shows that children who fall behind in meeting developmental milestones in their early years are more likely to experience poorer health, lower educational attainment, and reduced employment prospects later in life. 

Research by Bradbury et al. (2015) found that more than half the gaps in achievement at age 11 are due to inequalities that existed at five years old. In other words, by the time children start secondary school, many of the differences in outcomes are already deeply embedded. 

This is particularly significant in the context of child poverty. In the UK, around one in four children grow up in poverty, a factor strongly linked to developmental delays, poorer mental health and reduced life chances. Without targeted support, these early disadvantages can compound over time. 

This is where local and national charities can play a vital role. From parenting programmes and early learning initiatives to mental health support and access to essential services, charities can help address challenges before they escalate. 

In 2024/25, we awarded grants totalling £4,266,478 to charities supporting children in their early years and their families. This funding has helped organisations deliver early intervention programmes that tackle inequality at its roots, rather than trying to fix problems later when they are more complex and costly. 

Including charities like everyFAMILY, who are supporting deprived families in Bristol to nurture their child’s developmental needs. Our £60,000 grant is helping to fund their ‘Family Empowerment Project’ which aims to proactively ‘narrow the gap’ in children’s early education by providing additional interventions to enhance school readiness and raise attainment levels. 

Grants to these organisations are not just short-term interventions; they are investments in long-term social change. Supporting families in these formative years of a child’s life can improve school readiness, foster family relationships and build resilience – benefits that extend far beyond childhood and into adult life. 

By supporting children early, we are not only helping individuals to reach their potential but also strengthening communities and creating a more equitable society. 

Find out more about our priorities and apply for a grant for your charity: https://mcf.org.uk/get-support/grants-to-charities/our-priorities