This report assesses the local implementation of national policy from 1999 to 2009 on the health of children from birth to five years of age in England
It examines local service planning and delivery, including priority setting, and how local bodies can improve service delivery and access for vulnerable groups such as black and minority ethnic (BME) communities, lone and teenage parents.
The report discusses the impact of government funding on health outcomes for the under-fives; how effectively local bodies manage their resources; and the extent to which they are providing good value for money. It provides recommendations for national and local bodies, as well as examples of notable practice.
Video
A video to accompany this report shows how some local areas are engaging with their local population, particularly vulnerable groups, and making a difference to the health of the under-fives is.