TVKIDS
The BBC has launched Tiny Happy People, a five-year initiative backed by Kate Middleton, the Duchess of Cambridge.
The initiative aims to support parents and carers in developing the language and communication skills of children up to age 4. It will include a range of free online tools, including activities, videos, articles and quizzes. Among the celebrities on board the Tiny Happy People initiative are Jenny McAlpine, Kieron Richardson, JB Gill, Jess and Dom Lever, Annie Price and Louise Pentland.
To help launch the initiative, the Duchess of Cambridge met with families involved to hear about their experiences of parenting, their contribution to the campaign and how the Tiny Happy People resources and activities have been helping them. The Duchess, who has been involved with Tiny Happy People for a number of months, helped in the character and background development for two animations on parenting, which are now available on the Tiny Happy People website about making eye contact with babies and singing to babies. The Royal Foundation of The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge will collaborate with the BBC as they develop and roll out Tiny Happy People.
As part of Tiny Happy People’s launch, CBeebies’ Bedtime Stories will broadcast stories read by celebrity supporters Jennie McAlpine (July 14), Annie Price (July 15) and JB Gill (July 16).
Tony Hall, director-general at the BBC, said: “We couldn’t be more proud of the part we’re playing in this amazing partnership. Growing up happy and healthy is the greatest gift we can give to any child. This campaign embodies our mission to inform, educate and entertain. The BBC has created hundreds of videos and written content that we hope will make a real difference.”
James Purnell, the BBC’s director of radio and education, said: “Early years language provides the foundation for all aspects of a child’s life—right into adulthood. Tiny Happy People is a major, long term education commitment from the BBC to help close the under-5s language and communication gap and help give kids the best chance in life. We’re all so proud of it and look forward to seeing parents and carers from across the U.K. using the materials.”
