Early years policy development in Scotland since devolution

Date: 10th July 2026
Category:

---

The NSPCC has published a report marking over 25 years of early‑years research and practice, drawing together evidence on what helps babies and young children thrive.

The report highlights the critical importance of early relationships, responsive caregiving, and reducing stress within families, noting that the earliest months and years shape lifelong wellbeing.

It also shows how early‑years services have evolved from home‑visiting programmes to perinatal mental‑health support and identifies persistent gaps. These gaps include unequal access to support, pressures on services, and the need for stronger multi‑agency working. The report calls for sustained investment, better workforce support, and policies that put babies’ needs at the centre of decision‑making.

As the NSPCC reflects on a quarter‑century of progress, the message is clear: early intervention works, but only if families can access the right help at the right time.

·       Access the full Over 25 Years of Early Years report