On Monday 15th April, I was invited to join the Prime Minister at 10 Downing Street as he launched the Early Intervention Foundation.

The Foundation aims to give babies, children and young people a great start, and to cut the massive costs of dysfunction for taxpayers.

Best Beginnings is a consortium member of the Foundation and I am fortunate enough to be on the Advisory Group. Pictured right I am joined by Chair of the Early Intervention Foundation, Graham Allen MP.

I'm delighted to have been part of the launch for this crucial organisation. Best Beginnings looks forward to continuing to work with the Foundation to give all UK babies the best start in life.

As well as the Prime Minister, the Foundation has received the backing of both Nick Clegg and Ed Miliband – united in an almost unique show of cross-party support.

This is part of a growing consensus, from national and local government, leading experts, the voluntary sector and independent organisations such as the National Audit Office, who recognise that we need to change the culture in service provision from one of late reaction to early intervention.

The evidence demonstrates that addressing a problem’s root causes, rather than reacting to its symptoms, produces better outcomes and is more cost effective. Every baby, child and young person needs  strong social and emotional bedrock upon which all else is built, without it, massively expensive dysfunction can occur.

The Chair of the Early Intervention Foundation, Graham Allen MP, said, "With great maturity and long-sightedness, all parties have supported the drive towards early intervention and the creation of an independent Foundation to promote it. An enormous family of supporters have helped to deliver this major step forward. Now the serious work begins on delivering our three A’s -Assessment, Advice and Advocacy of Early Intervention.”