Kate Embarks On 24-Hour Tour To Support New Early Childhood Survey
The Palace announced a new project of the Duchess of Cambridge for her Early Years initiative. Kate is launching a landmark survey to give people across the UK an opportunity to have their say about raising the next generation.
On Tuesday, she began a mini-national tour to promote the campaign with a visit to MiniBrum at Thinktank Birmingham Science Museum. Tomorrow, the Duchess will undertake further engagements in London, Cardiff and Surrey in the hope of sparking the widest possible debate.
For her visit, Kate cut a stylish figure in green chevron-printed blouse by Tabitha Ward, which featured pussy-bow detail. She combined it with wide-leg trousers by Jigsqaw.
Duchess Kate was shown around the interactive, child-sized mini-city by children from Henley Montessori School and St Paul’s Nursery in Balsall Heath.
She also met parents who have been involved in the project, including Giovanna Fletcher, whose podcast Happy Mum, Happy Baby” is aimed at ensuring that new mothers do not feel alone.
Kate’s poll, titled “Five big questions on the under fives”, will be online for a month. The questions include topics such as nature vs. nurture, health and happiness. The results will be revealed in March and will determine the Duchess’s next steps.
“I’m here today to help launch a survey to hear society’s views about raising the next generation. 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,” she said.
“As a parent, I know how much we cherish the future health and happiness of our children. I want to hear the key issues affecting our families and communities so I can focus my work on where it is needed most. My ambition is to provide lasting change for generations to come.”
Kelly Beaver, managing director of public affairs at Ipsos MORI, who will conduct the survey, said the survey will be the first of its kind to reflect “how it feels to be a parent of an under five today”.
“The [survey] is a fantastic way for the British public to share their views about the importance of the early years.” she added.
On Wednesday, Duchess Kate will stop at LEYF nursery in Southwark, where she will help nursery workers serve breakfast to children. The aim of her visit is to highlight the importance of nutrition to a child’s development.
Later, she will travel to Cardiff, for a baby sensory class at Ely and Careau Children’s Centre, which supports children with special needs and provides parental support.
Kate’s online survey can be found here: www.5bigquestions.org.uk.