Primary prevention through universal and targeted programmes to reduce health inequalities, improve health and wellbeing, and prevent adverse outcomes across the child and family life course.

This theme covers
- intervening early in the child’s life and
- intervening early in the course of any difficulties (regardless of age).
Disadvantage that occurs in childhood has a disproportionate effect on the life chances of a child. Giving children the best start in life is recognised to be a significant way of reducing health and social inequalities.