Would You Pay £5 to See Your GP If It Meant Better Early Childhood Services

Nearly a third of adults are open to the idea of paying a £5 fee for GP visits, provided the funds are channelled into early childhood health and development programmes. This revealing statistic comes from a recent survey by the early years charity Kindred Squared.

A new poll indicates that almost a third of adults would support a £5 charge for GP visits if the money is used to bolster early childhood services. Conducted by Kindred Squared, the survey engaged 2,500 adults across England and Wales and highlighted a generational divide in the willingness to support such a fee. Younger people are more inclined to back the fee compared to older generations. The results underscore the public’s growing recognition of the importance of early childhood interventions over higher education funding.

Have you ever wondered how far people would go to support early childhood development? A recent survey has shed light on an intriguing possibility: nearly one in three adults would be willing to pay a £5 fee for GP visits if the revenue was allocated to early years health and development programmes. This finding, brought to us by Kindred Squared, an early years charity, presents a fascinating glimpse into public opinion on funding priorities.

From 21 June to 1 July, Kindred Squared conducted a snapshot poll of 2,500 adults in England and Wales. The survey aimed to measure the extent of public support for increased investment in early childhood services. The £5 GP fee was used as a straightforward, universally understandable example of how such funding could be raised.

Interestingly, the survey revealed a generational divide in attitudes towards the fee. Younger respondents were more willing to support the £5 charge compared to their older counterparts. This trend highlights a shift in perspective among younger generations, who seem more attuned to the long-term benefits of investing in early childhood development.

Felicity Gillespie, Director of Kindred Squared and a member of the independent advisory panel for Sir David Bell’s Review of Early Years, emphasised that the survey’s question wasn’t tied to funding any specific programme. However, she pointed out numerous interventions that could significantly impact closing developmental gaps by age five. These include providing clearer information on child development from birth, restoring the number of health visitors, linking community-based support services, levelling up the early years pupil premium to primary rates, investing in workforce training, expanding childcare in underserved areas, and reforming curricula to improve future parents’ understanding.

Furthermore, the polling, conducted by Savanta, found that 62% of adults believe early childhood interventions have a greater long-term societal impact than increased funding for universities and colleges. Only 20% prioritised higher education funding, with 19% remaining unsure.

The £5 GP Fee: A Small Price for a Big Impact?

The idea of a £5 GP fee may seem controversial, but the survey results suggest a surprising level of public support. Nearly a third of the respondents expressed willingness to pay the fee if it meant better funding for early childhood services. This potential revenue stream could significantly enhance programmes aimed at under-fives, a crucial period for child development.

Generational Divide in Support

A closer look at the survey data reveals a generational divide. Younger people, particularly those under 40, are more likely to support the fee, with 41% in favour. This contrasts with older age groups, where support wanes. This generational difference could be attributed to younger people’s increasing awareness of the importance of early childhood development and their own experiences with the current healthcare and education systems.

The Importance of Early Years Interventions

Gillespie and other experts have long advocated for greater investment in early years. Numerous studies have shown that early interventions can close developmental gaps, providing children with a strong foundation for future success. These interventions include everything from ensuring parents have access to comprehensive child development information from birth to restoring the number of health visitors who can offer essential support to new families.

Linking Community-Based Support Services

One of the key proposals involves linking community-based support services more effectively. This integration can create a robust support network for young families, ensuring they have access to the resources and help they need. This could range from health services to educational support, creating a more cohesive and supportive environment for child development.

Levelling Up Early Years Pupil Premium

Another critical area is the early years pupil premium, which currently lags behind the funding provided for primary education. By levelling up this premium, the government can ensure that early years settings have the resources needed to provide high-quality education and care. This funding could be used for a variety of purposes, from improving facilities to investing in staff training and development.

Training and Development of the Workforce

Investing in the training and development of the early years workforce is also essential. Well-trained staff can make a significant difference in the quality of care and education that children receive. This investment can help attract and retain skilled professionals in the early years sector, ensuring that children have access to high-quality care and education.

Addressing Childcare Deserts

Targeting the expansion of childcare provision in existing ‘childcare deserts’—areas where there is a significant lack of childcare options—can also help ensure that all children have access to early years services. This expansion can make a substantial difference for families living in these areas, providing them with the support they need to balance work and family responsibilities.

Curriculum Reform for Future Parents

Finally, improving the understanding of future parents through curriculum reform can have long-lasting benefits. By integrating child development and parenting skills into the education system, we can prepare future parents to provide the best possible start for their children. This proactive approach can help address many issues before they arise, leading to better outcomes for children and families.

Public Support for Early Childhood Investment

The survey’s findings also highlighted the public’s recognition of the long-term benefits of early childhood investment. A significant 62% of respondents believe that early childhood interventions have a more substantial societal impact than increased funding for higher education. This perspective aligns with research showing that early interventions can lead to better educational outcomes, improved health, and reduced social costs in the long run.

A Shift in Priorities

This shift in public opinion suggests a growing awareness of the importance of the early years. While higher education remains crucial, many people are beginning to understand that the foundation for success in higher education—and indeed in life—is laid much earlier. By focusing resources on early childhood, we can create a more equitable and prosperous society.

The Role of Kindred Squared

Kindred Squared’s efforts to highlight these issues are commendable. Through their research and advocacy, they are helping to shift the conversation towards a more holistic view of education and development. Their work underscores the need for a comprehensive approach to early childhood, one that integrates health, education, and community support.

The Path Forward

The survey’s results offer a clear message: there is significant public support for increased investment in early childhood services. Policymakers should take note of this and consider how a small fee, like the proposed £5 GP charge, could be used to fund these essential programmes. By doing so, they can help ensure that all children have the opportunity to thrive from the very start.

In summary, the willingness of nearly a third of adults to pay a £5 fee for GP visits if the funds are directed towards early childhood services underscores the growing recognition of the importance of investing in the early years. The generational divide in support highlights a shift in perspective among younger people, who see the long-term benefits of such investment. With public support behind them, policymakers have a unique opportunity to implement changes that can have a profound impact on children’s lives and society as a whole.

“It’s encouraging to find that a significant proportion of the public are realising the comparative importance of investment in early years.”

— Felicity Gillespie, Director of Kindred Squared

Want to make a difference in the lives of young children? Support initiatives and policies that invest in early childhood services. Your contribution can help provide the solid foundations that every child deserves.