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Family poverty is 'worst in UK' | Family poverty is 'worst in UK' |
(about 4 hours later) | |
A study of more than 15,500 three-year-olds has found that a higher proportion of family poverty exists in Wales than anywhere else in the UK. | |
The survey by the University of London found 30% of families in Wales were living below the poverty line. | The survey by the University of London found 30% of families in Wales were living below the poverty line. |
This compared with 25% in England and 21% in Scotland. | This compared with 25% in England and 21% in Scotland. |
The study also found children from disadvantaged families were educationally already up to a year behind others by the age of three. | The study also found children from disadvantaged families were educationally already up to a year behind others by the age of three. |
The cognitive development, health and welfare of the toddlers between 2003 and 2005 was surveyed. | The cognitive development, health and welfare of the toddlers between 2003 and 2005 was surveyed. |
The study also revealed that obesity is a more significant problem in Wales than the rest of the UK, with almost one in every four three-year-olds being either overweight or obese. | The study also revealed that obesity is a more significant problem in Wales than the rest of the UK, with almost one in every four three-year-olds being either overweight or obese. |
A lot of people triumph against the odds, but then a lot of people don't Professor Heather Joshi | A lot of people triumph against the odds, but then a lot of people don't Professor Heather Joshi |
Professor Heather Joshi, director of London University's Centre of Longitudinal Studies, said that the results were "shocking" and could have implications for the future. | Professor Heather Joshi, director of London University's Centre of Longitudinal Studies, said that the results were "shocking" and could have implications for the future. |
"We have studied people throughout their lives before and the imprint of having lived in poverty in childhood can be traced through school and into adult life, so finding such a lot of disadvantage amongst a big minority of today's children is very disturbing," she added. | "We have studied people throughout their lives before and the imprint of having lived in poverty in childhood can be traced through school and into adult life, so finding such a lot of disadvantage amongst a big minority of today's children is very disturbing," she added. |
Government policy | Government policy |
But she said it was possible for people to change their circumstances. | But she said it was possible for people to change their circumstances. |
"You shouldn't abandon hope - a lot of people triumph against the odds, but then a lot of people don't," she said. | "You shouldn't abandon hope - a lot of people triumph against the odds, but then a lot of people don't," she said. |
"There are some signs that if poor children get a place in a good preschool nursery that they do just as well as more privileged children getting good quality childcare. | "There are some signs that if poor children get a place in a good preschool nursery that they do just as well as more privileged children getting good quality childcare. |
"But this doesn't apply to all of them by any means." | "But this doesn't apply to all of them by any means." |
The findings came just days after First Minister Rhodri Morgan unveiled his legislative programme which included moves to tackle childhood poverty and assist vulnerable children. | The findings came just days after First Minister Rhodri Morgan unveiled his legislative programme which included moves to tackle childhood poverty and assist vulnerable children. |
Meanwhile, Plaid Cymru AM Leanne Wood has called for a review of the Communities First project which was set up to help some of the most deprived areas in the country. | Meanwhile, Plaid Cymru AM Leanne Wood has called for a review of the Communities First project which was set up to help some of the most deprived areas in the country. |
Research carried out by BBC Wales has found that over £6m of public money was sent back unused. | Research carried out by BBC Wales has found that over £6m of public money was sent back unused. |
The Welsh Assembly Government has blamed short-term staff vacancies. | The Welsh Assembly Government has blamed short-term staff vacancies. |
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