It’s now my great pleasure to invite Place2Be’s Royal Patron HRH Duchess of Cambridge to say a few words. So thank you.

　　Speech by The Duchess of Cambridge at the Place2Be School Leaders Forum, London

　　Thank you, and good morning, everybody.

　　I’m so grateful for you all for having me here today.

　　Four years ago, when I became Patron of Place2Be, I believed what you all know to be true: that getting help and support to young children at the very earliest stage helps improve their outcomes later in life.

　　Schools and teachers are at the heart of this support, and have a crucial role to play. You know your pupils. You know their circumstances. You can spot when a family’s having a tough time. You occupy a special position because you can identify issues and take action when it is most needed.

　　Parents also have a key role in this support system. As a mother just getting used to leaving my own child at the school gates, it is clear to me that it takes a whole community to help raise a child.

　　Whether we are school leaders, teachers, support staff or parents – we’re all in this together. We are all working to give children the emotional strength they need to face their future lives and thrive.

　　I’m proud that the Royal Foundation is playing its part too after the Heads Together campaign.

　　Collaborating with experts like yourselves, we’re looking at providing easy access to information and practical tools to support teachers, parents and children [to] feel comfortable talking about their mental health.

　　We are all here today because we share the belief that every child deserves the chance to fulfil their potential.

　　When I came to this conference two years ago, I left with a real sense of energy and passion about what we could all achieve together. And I’m looking forward to learning even more today.

　　Thank you.