Parliamentary visit to Blackpool for MP

Scott Moseley, Local Dad Ryan, Dr Caroline Miller, MP Norman Lamb, Rory Knowles and daughter Jaycey Knowles, Director of Centre for Early Child Development Merle Davies, Deputy Director at Big Lottery Fund Sarah Benioff and Dr Harry Beeson

Liberal Democrats MP, Norman Lamb, attended a series of community events in the resort of Monday

The inquiry is looking into the long-term benefits of Early Years Intervention.

Lamb chose Blackpool due to the work taking place in the town through the National Lottery funded Blackpool Better Start programme.

Local Dad Rory Knowles, his daughter Jaycey Knowles, MP Norman Lamb and Merle Davies

The Science and Technology Committee, of which Lamb is Chair, will examine evidence linking adverse childhood experiences with long-term negative outcomes alongside the evidence base for early intervention.

The committee will then consider whether this evidence is being used effectively in policy-making to benefit children in the UK.

Norman Lamb, MP said of his visit, “I was really pleased to be able to see first-hand the fantastic work of the Blackpool Better Start programme and to meet all of the amazing staff and volunteers involved in this brilliant initiative.”

“In so many areas, early intervention often makes a real difference and it is vital that we look at how this links in with adverse childhood experiences and long-term negative outcomes in order to ensure that children do not start out in life disadvantaged.

Lamb visited Revoe Children’s Centre, Revoe Park and Palatine Library, meeting with the staff, local volunteers.

He also met with a group of dads who have set about enhancing the early year’s areas at Palatine, Layton, Mereside, Revoe and Central libraries, building interactive bookcases and imaginative spaces as part of a project supported by Blackpool Better Start.