NICE is publishing guidance on the social and emotional wellbeing of vulnerable children under five.
The recommendations cover home visits, early education and childcare for vulnerable children.
The guidance recognises that disadvantage before birth and in a child's early years can have life-long, negative effects on health and wellbeing.
It aims to ensure that both universal and more targeted services provide the additional support all vulnerable children need to ensure their mental and physical health and wellbeing.
Professor Mike Kelly, director of public health at NICE, said: "We know that there are a complex range of factors that impact upon the social and emotional development of children. While most parents offer love and stability to their children, regardless of their personal circumstances, in some cases, children living in challenging environments can experience emotional and behavioural problems.
"These can have a life-long, negative effect on their future health and wellbeing. NICE is pleased to publish this guidance which will help all those involved in delivering excellent services to the children and their parents who need them most."
Bren McInerney, community member of the public health interventions advisory committee at NICE, said the guidance was a "fantastic opportunity" to achieve the best social and emotional wellbeing of all children and families.
