More public money should be spent on ensuring a high quality of early child development to create a fairer society and reduce health inequalities, an evidence based review has concluded.

Teaching parents the importance of cuddling their babies and talking to young children can help reduce behavioural problems and aid cognitive development, enabling better progress at school, said Michael Marmot, professor of epidemiology and pubic health at University College London, who led the independent review on tackling health inequalities in England over the next 10 years, commissioned by the government.

Of the six recommendations in his review this is the priority, he said. With better education, people are better able to find their way through modern society, find employment, and have control over their lives, he added.

“The message of our report is that if you can create a …