Four-year-old Daisy’s mum was struggling with anxiety and depression. The family rarely went out and with no toys or books at home, Daisy’s mum was finding it difficult to cope. When volunteer Jasmine visited the family, she helped establish routines, brought in some fun games and activities and went with them to the library. At first shy and withdrawn, Daisy is now a confident little girl who can recite all the letters of the alphabet and count to ten. She is a very happy curious child who is constantly asking questions. Her mum is amazed at how confident and independent she has become in so short a time. And Daisy’s mum now has the skills and understanding to help her support

A child’s earliest years are irreplaceable. Without a stable, loving and nurturing environment, a very young child will not develop the vital foundations they need.

Each year around 600,000 children start primary school for the first time. Increasingly children start school without the skills – such as sharing, reading, being toilet trained or eating without help – that they need to begin learning. Every family is unique, and there are countless reasons why families struggle. Helping children prepare for starting school is just one way that Home-Start is helping Daisy and thousands of children like her in communities across the country.

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