The summit, which was hosted by Oxfordshire Inclusive Economy Partnership (OIEP) in partnership with the University of Oxford, Buckinghamshire, Oxfordshire, and Berkshire West Integrated Care Board (BOB ICB), and Oxfordshire County Council on Thursday 16th January 2025 and held at the Saïd Business School in Oxford, highlighted the critical role early childhood development plays in shaping a thriving, inclusive economy and explored practical, evidence-based strategies to support young children and their families.
Discussions focused on mobilising existing resources, fostering integrated approaches across systems, and identifying key areas for investment to benefit both residents and the local economy.
Tackling disparities in early childhood development
Despite Oxfordshire’s global reputation for educational excellence, the county faces a significant opportunity to better support children from disadvantaged backgrounds. Research showed that these children start school 5.5 months behind their peers in terms of a Good Level of Development at the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS). This gap, if unaddressed, can widen to over 20 months by age 16, with significant implications for long-term outcomes in education, health, and employability.
This disparity highlighted the importance of early intervention and systemic support. Delegates at the summit explored ways to collaboratively tackle these challenges and emphasised the economic and social benefits of investing in early years provision.
Insights and evidence-based solutions
Delegates at the summit heard from leading academics, national experts, and practitioners. Highlights included Sally Hogg, Assistant Director of Programmes and Impact at The Royal Foundation, who described how the first five years shape the rest of a person’s life, and Phil Ponsonby, Group CEO of The Midcounties Co-operative, who demonstrated how prioritising early years provision and creating a supportive culture for parents makes sense for his business.
Discussions drew on findings such as the Royal Foundation's commissioned report with Deloitte, which estimated that investing in early childhood adds £45.5 billion annually to the national economy. Presenters also addressed the heightened risks faced by disadvantaged groups, which included poor health, social and emotional challenges, and cognitive delays - all of which influence long-term literacy, employability, and wellbeing.
Building a collaborative path forward
The summit underscored the need for integrated, cross-sector collaboration to support early childhood development. Delegates discussed strategies to invest in preventive measures, harness existing community assets, and align resources effectively to create a supportive ecosystem for young children and their families. These steps are essential to achieving long-term savings and fostering a more equitable future for all.
Jeremy Long and Baroness Jan Royall, Co-chairs of the Oxfordshire Inclusive Economy Partnership, said: “From the outstanding range of speakers who spoke on the subject, from both academic research and practical experience, it is clear just how important the early years are for development, and optimising outcomes in later life.
“Investment at this stage has both profound social benefits to the individual, and also wider economic benefits compared to the cost of later interventions.
“As the OIEP, we were very pleased to have worked in partnership with the University of Oxford, Oxfordshire County Council, and the BOB Integrated Care Board to have made this event possible, and to highlight this very important topic.”
Sally Hogg, Assistant Director of Programmes and Impact, The Royal Foundation, said: “It was great to join the Oxfordshire Inclusive Economy Partnership Summit today and hear about the fantastic work happening across our communities, supported by third sector organisations, local authorities, health services, and employers.
"Projects like Growing Minds with Homestart Oxford, Peeple, and Berin Centre showcase compassionate, community-led, strengths-based values, connecting with families who might not engage with other services. It was inspiring to hear about public service initiatives, such as additional health visiting contacts and support groups for families awaiting paediatric services, alongside academics from Oxford's universities bringing research to life to inform local decisions.
"I hope today sparks valuable conversations and drives even more action for Oxfordshire’s children and families.”
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