Coalition for Change: Chloe meets with Save the Children

Chloe Smith, MP for Norwich North, met leading charity Save the Children yesterday to discuss early years education and childcare. The meeting follows the launch of a campaign by Chloe Smith to bridge the gap in childcare provision in Norwich.

Save the Children recently published their report “Read On Get On” demonstrating the clear link between poor literacy and unemployment. The research indicated that families who encourage just ten minutes of reading a day with their children can make a huge difference to their academic performance.

Commenting on the campaign Chloe said:

“This research shows that regardless of poverty, or special educational needs, a huge positive difference is still achievable when schools and communities work together.

“I want all children in Norwich to get the best start in life. We know how crucial early years education is to a child’s development, particularly the language skills which lead to strong reading ability. This is just one of the reasons why I’m working to bring together businesses, charities and local government to bridge the gap in childcare provision here in Norwich.”

Save the Children aim to harness the energy of teachers, parents, carers, sports clubs and businesses to get every child reading well at the age of 11 across the whole of the UK by 2025. Partners include the BBC and the Premier League. Chloe’s campaign to bridge the gap in childcare provision builds upon the format used for her Norwich for Jobs project, which succeeded in halving youth unemployment in Norwich.