Kids with developmental concerns at record highs

Scottish Liberal Democrat health spokesperson Alex Cole-Hamilton MSP has today urged the SNP-Green government to introduce a new Nursery Premium and fresh support for children from poorer backgrounds, as new figures showed that the number of children flagged as having developmental concerns has risen to record highs.

The figures from Public Health Scotland published today show:

• 12% of children who received a 13–15-month review and 17% of those who received a 4–5-year review had a concern noted about at least one area of their development. These percentages are the highest on record.
• 18% of children who received a 27-30 month review had a concern noted about at least one area of their development, which has remained the same since last year.
• Children who received a 27-30 month review in deprived areas are now 2.7 times more likely to suffer from developmental concerns that those in the least deprived areas.

Mr Cole-Hamilton said:

“We all want Scotland's children to grow up in the best environment possible, but these figures reveal record numbers of children are showing developmental concerns.

“The pandemic saw a dramatic rise in these concerns but rather than invest to support families ministers have fallen short.

"The government must put in place extra support for all those starting school who have had a developmental concern noted.

“I also want the Scottish Government to finally listen to my party's calls to extend the successful pupil premium to nursery level so that children from the poorest backgrounds can get the help they need as early as possible."