Child health policies aim to maintain or improve the health of children and young people. Within the United Kingdom, health inequalities remain prevalent, impacting upon the life experiences and opportunities for every child. Investment in these, alongside other measures to challenge child poverty, will influence the opportunities and safety for future generations. The current standards for children and young people, in the coalition government, are the National Service Framework for Children, Young People and Maternity Services (DOH 2004). This policy is far reaching in terms of its remit across health and social care boundaries. The standards recognize the need to invest in preconception care, because this influences the health of the developing child though to adulthood, the need to promote health for the well child (e.g. in terms of healthy eating to prevent obesity and promotion of exercise in home and school settings) and ensuring children who experience ill health receive exemplary care to enable them to achieve their potential.