Councils across Greater Manchester are working together to find out about the long-term impacts of the pandemic on under 5s.

With the cost of living rising for families with young children, the region wants to hear from parents and carers to help understand what impact the health crisis has had on the learning and development of children aged under five.

Parents or carers of youngsters ahed under five have just under two weeks left to complete a survey being run by the 10 Greater Manchester councils and the Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA).

Recent studies have shown that the pandemic continues to impact on the development and wellbeing of young children and babies, as well as impacting on parental wellbeing due to the pressures of lockdowns and social distancing.

This is being made worse by the rising cost of living on essentials such as food, energy, and fuel and families with young children are especially impacted by this.

Local authorities wants to understand the first-hand experiences of parents and carers of young children to help the ongoing recovery from Covid as well as the response to the rising cost of living.

This will help to put the right support in place to help.

GMCA lead for young people, Cllr Mark Hunter, said: “Greater Manchester wants every child to have the best start in life and start school ready to learn at age five.

“We know the pandemic has impacted on children and we want to make sure we put the right support in place.

“By completing this survey, your views will help to make sure young children, families and communities have the help and support they need to thrive.”

Parents and carers of those with children aged under five years have until Friday, November 25 to visit www.gmconsult.org and complete the survey.

You can complete the survey online here, Greater Manchester Family Survey (Children under 5)