Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what assessment his Department has made of the effect of the second covid-19 national lockdown on (a) babies and (b) young children.

The indirect impact of COVID-19 has been significant for pregnant women and young families. Therefore, support for families is a priority, as is responding to the increased risk of hidden harms. Chief Nurses together with the Local Government Association have recommended front-line support for children and families is maintained throughout the winter, with health visitors continuing to prioritise vulnerable families.

New support for safeguarding vulnerable babies was introduced during the COVID-19 response.  Cross-Government work is underway to build on lessons from early lockdown and establish best practice. In addition, the Early Years Health Adviser (the Rt hon. Member Andrea Leadsom MP) is carrying out a review. Part of the review will be to look at lessons learned from COVID-19, including minimising the risks from the pandemic to very young children.