The Duchess is marking the exciting news with a 24 hour tour visiting London, Cardiff and Surrey. It began earlier today with a visit to MiniBrum at Thinktank Birmingham Science Museum.
Speaking about 5 Big Questions, the Duchess said: "Parents, carers and families are at the heart of caring for children in the formative years, so that is why I want to listen to them. As a parent I know how much we cherish the future health and happiness of our children. The Early Years are more crucial for future health and happiness than any other moment in our lifetime. I want to hear the key issues affecting our families and communities so I can focus my work on where it is needed most."
Kensington Palace said: "The launch of the survey follows eight years of work by the Duchess of Cambridge in which she has explored how experiences in early childhood often lie at the root of the hardest social challenges the country faces today. What we experience in the earliest years – from in the womb to the age of five – is instrumental in shaping our future lives."
The Palace added: "The survey contains five short questions and aims to spark a national conversation on the early years that will ultimately help bring about positive, lasting change for generations to come. It is designed to bring together the thoughts of as many people as possible – recognising that everyone has a role in ensuring strong, healthy foundations for the youngest in our society that will positively affect their lifelong outcomes. The findings should provide a vital source of information for the early years sector, helping it to better understand public perceptions of the importance of the early years, and the first-hand experiences of parents, families and carers. This public feedback will also help to focus Her Royal Highness’ work through the Royal Foundation as she endeavours to provide children across the UK with the best foundations to lead healthy and fulfilling lives."
The five questions in the survey:
Question 1:
What do you believe is most important for children growing up in the UK today to live a happy adult life. Rank from most important to least important.
• Good physical and mental health
• Good friendships and relationships
• Access to opportunities
• Access to a good education
Question 2:
Which of these statements is closest to your opinion?
• It is primarily the responsibility of parents to give children aged 0-5 the best chance of health and happiness
• It is primarily the responsibility of others in society to give children aged 0-5 the best chance of health and happiness
• It is the shared responsibility of parents and others in society to give children aged 0-5 the best chance of health and happiness
• Don’t know
Question 3:
How much do you agree or disagree with this statement: The mental health and wellbeing of parents and carers has a great impact on the development of their child(ren)?
• Strongly agree
• Tend to agree
• Neither agree nor disagree
• Tend to disagree
• Strongly disagree
Question 4:
Which of the following is closest to your opinion of what influences how children develop from the start of pregnancy to age 5?
• Mostly the traits a child is born with (i.e. nature)
• Mostly the experiences of a child in the early years (i.e. nurture)
• Both nature and nurture equally
• Don’t know
Question 5:
Which period of a child and young person’s life do you think is the most important for health and happiness in adulthood?
• Start of pregnancy to 5 years
• 5-11 years (primary school)
• 11-16 years (secondary school)
• 16-18 years (further education)
• 18-24 years (young adulthood)
• Don’t know
• All equally important
Is there anything else you would like to tell us about your views on the early years of childhood?
The results of the survey will be made available in March and will determine the next step in Kate's early years work.
During today's engagement, Kate spent time with a group of children from Henley Montessori School and St Paul’s Nursery in Balsall Heath.
The little ones were thrilled to show Kate around their 'launderette' and 'mini-museum'.
'There was a hilarious moment in the cafe when the door of a cupboard underneath a sink came off its hinges, prompting laughter. "I think we've broken the cafe," the Duchess laughed. She also spoke to parents and carers about the survey, including Giovanna Fletcher, whose podcast "Happy Mum, Happy Baby" is aimed at ensuring that new mothers do not feel alone.'
A video from the visit.
Click here to visit the 5 Big Questions website and participate in the survey.
Kate chose a sophisticated look with a mix of new pieces and repeats.
Kate wore Tabitha Webb's Pansy Pussybow blouse in green chevron. Made in the UK, the silk piece is now available for pre-order for £295 (with thanks to What Kate Wore for the swift ID).
The Duchess teamed the blouse with her navy £130 High Waisted Sport Luxe Trousers by Jaeger.
Kate wore her navy suede Emmy London Josie pumps.
Kate accessorised with her Monica Vinader Siren Wire earrings.
And the UFO No More team identified Kate's new bracelet as the £110 Maya Torque Aquamarine and Godl Bangle.
Tomorrow morning, the Duchess will join parents at LEYF Nursery in Southwark for the nursery drop off, before helping nursery workers serve breakfast to the children. She will then travel to Cardiff to attend a baby sensory class at Ely and Careau Children’s Centre where she will hear about the support that parents receive.
It promises to be a packed day, I'll see you all then!
It promises to be a packed day, I'll see you all then!
