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# Childhood development in Suffolk still falling just short of pre-pandemic levels
- URL: https://www.ipswich.co.uk/childhood-development-in-suffolk-still-falling-just-short-of-pre-pandemic-levels/
- Published: 2024-08-26T04:00:00.000Z
- Updated: 2026-03-16T15:37:03.000Z
- Description: New figures show fewer young children in Suffolk are meeting expected development levels compared to before the pandemic.
- Author: Oliver Rouane-Williams
- Tags: News, Early Years Education, #article, #Import 2026-03-16 14:46

**The big picture:** While there's been some improvement since last year, experts say financial difficulties and lack of socialisation during the pandemic have impacted children's development.

**By the numbers:**

- 83% of children aged 2-2.5 in Suffolk met or exceeded expected development levels in Q4 2023-24
- This is up from 74% the previous year but below the 87% seen five years ago
- 1,604 children in this age group were assessed by health visitors

**What they're saying:** Sue Rogers, Family Action head of practice development, said: "Children were born and lived in a very adult world but had tiny developing brains that were trying to make sense of all that was happening."

She added: "This data demonstrates there is still a huge inequality for children and families, and this continues to impact the development of our youngest and most vulnerable in society."

A Government spokesperson acknowledged the issue, stating, "Too many children still aren't meeting the expected standards of development."

They emphasised plans to focus on "high quality" early education.

**Between the lines:** The figures cover communication, motor skills, problem-solving, and personal-social skills – all crucial for a child's future learning and development.

**What's next:** The Government has confirmed the continuation of the Nuffield Early Language Intervention programme for another year to support children's speech and language development.

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