A child’s future chances depend on the support they get in their early years. But in the UK now, children are arriving for their first day of school struggling to speak in full sentences or understand simple instructions. Good nurseries are crucial if we’re going to fix this.

My name is Dr Elizabeth Kilbey and I took part in Channel 4’s The Secret Lives of 4, 5 & 6 year olds. The programme followed children at nursery as they learnt to make their way in the world. It was amazing to see just how much children learn in their first five years.

That’s why I want the government to invest in better quality early learning, like nurseries and why I’ve started a petition calling for the government to ensure there’s an early years teacher in every nursery in England by 2020.

Save the Children’s research has found that 1 in 5 children starts primary school behind in basic language skills, rising to 1 in 3 of the poorest children. If a child starts school behind, they tend to stay behind -- meaning struggling at school to keep up and not achieving their potential. Going to a good quality nursery with well qualified staff can make a huge difference.

Please take a moment to sign the petition now, to give every child the support to thrive in their first vital years, so there’s nothing stopping them from getting the most out of life.