Centre for Early Childhood

Strengthening social and emotional skills is one of the five areas of opportunity highlighted in our "Case for Change" business report.

Earlier this month, 1,000 Early Years Cwtch Kits (cuddle in Welsh), created with Amazon for Faith in Families, were delivered to families across Swansea.

Filled with blankets, books, and sensory toys, each kit is designed to support moments of connection between parents, carers, and young children, with every kit packed by local Amazon volunteers.

This is a great example of creative, purpose-led action that makes a real difference, helping children build strong social and emotional foundations from the very start.

Read the report: thebusinesscase.centreforearlychildhood.org/about/…

See how your business can strengthen social and emotional skills in the early years: thebusinesscase.centreforearlychildhood.org/opport…

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4 days ago | [YT] | 57

Centre for Early Childhood

Wonderful to see The Bobeam Tree on its next UK stop at Lowry in Salford.

Children under five and their families, nurseries or schools are welcome to experience this playful and imaginative installation, designed for the early years, from Tuesday 17 February until Sunday 14 June.

Find out more about the Bobeam Tree, trail and other activities on the Lowry's website: thelowry.com/the-bobeam-tree-r9p7

Image credit: Andrew Parsons / Kensington Palace

1 week ago (edited) | [YT] | 55

Centre for Early Childhood

Children’s mental health is shaped in our earliest years, a time when nurturing relationships, secure environments and positive experiences matter most. 💛

During today’s visit to Castle Hill Academy, The Princess of Wales saw how ‪@_Place2Be‬ is integrated at all levels of education, starting within the nursery. This offers families and staff the tools and support they need from the very beginning.

By investing in the crucial period from pregnancy to age five, we can build babies’ and children’s mental health now and strong foundations for their future.

Read more: centreforearlychildhood.org/news-insights/news/the…

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2 weeks ago | [YT] | 91

Centre for Early Childhood

A thousand cuddles, delivered!

1,000 Early Years Cwtch (which means cuddle in Welsh) Kits, created with Amazon UK for ‪@faithinfamilies3228‬, have been placed into the hands of families across Swansea.

Filled with soft blankets, books and sensory toys, each kit is designed to spark cosy moments of connection between parents and carers and their little ones.

Seeing these kits bring warmth, comfort and joy has been incredibly special. Everyday moments really can make a lifetime of difference.

Find out more about our work with business: thebusinesscase.centreforearlychildhood.org/?utm_s…

3 weeks ago | [YT] | 43

Centre for Early Childhood

A thousand cuddles!

We’re teaming up with ‪@AmazonUK‬ and Faith in Families Swansea to create 1,000 Early Years ‘Cwtch Kits’ – packed with blankets, books, and sensory toys to spark story sharing cosy cuddles and special moments of connection.

The kits will be distributed to families at events in Swansea over the coming weeks and we hope they bring lots of love and joy.

This collaboration was first announced at our Future Workforce Summit in November – for more info about all of our work with business, visit our website: thebusinesscase.centreforearlychildhood.org/?utm_s…

1 month ago | [YT] | 7

Centre for Early Childhood

We’re excited to announce the Shaping Us blanket badge, created in partnership between ‪@UKScouts‬ and The Royal Foundation Centre for Early Childhood.

Based on the Shaping Us Framework, the badge recognises volunteers, parents, carers, and young people who are helping others build the social and emotional skills they need to thrive.

Find out more: centreforearlychildhood.org/news-insights/news/new…

1 month ago | [YT] | 66

Centre for Early Childhood

The Bobeam Tree is at Middlesbrough Institute of Modern Art!

Looking for something magical to do during the holidays with babies and young children? The Bobeam Tree offers enchanting trails and playful activities designed to spark imagination and support early development.

Inspired by The Royal Foundation Centre for Early Childhood’s Shaping Us Framework, the project celebrates the importance of nurturing social and emotional skills in the early years.

Originally launched by The Princess of Wales at the National Portrait Gallery, the Bobeam Tree is now on tour across the UK, with each venue creating unique experiences to help young children connect with art and culture.

📍 MIMA Atrium, Middlesbrough
🎨 Free entry | www.mima.art
🗓️ On until 15 February 2026

Photo credit: Christopher Booth

2 months ago | [YT] | 58

Centre for Early Childhood

This year’s Together at Christmas Carol Service took place at Westminster Abbey this evening, celebrating the theme of love and the transformative power of investing in one another with compassion, presence, and joy.

Her Royal Highness wanted to recognise and thank the many people around the country who are acting with love in their communities, contributing to a more cohesive and connected society.

1,600 people filled Westminster Abbey, with every individual having dedicated or volunteered their time to be present with others, fronted initiatives that bring people in their community together, or shown kindness and empathy to those around them.

You can watch the service on Christmas Eve on ITV and ITVX.

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2 months ago | [YT] | 98

Centre for Early Childhood

Last week, Her Royal Highness The Princess of Wales met families who are helping to shape the development of a new project from The Royal Foundation Centre for Early Childhood in partnership with Anna Freud.

The project will create a workforce development programme, working with The Institute of Health Visiting, to enhance the skills of health visitors and those who work alongside them to support early social and emotional development.

Informed by the Shaping Us Framework, the programme will provide training and resources to help ensure more babies and young children develop the social and emotional foundations they need for a happy, healthy life.

Read more: centreforearlychildhood.org/news-insights/news/the…

2 months ago | [YT] | 79

Centre for Early Childhood

The Future Workforce Summit 2025.

A brilliant day, highlighting the vital role businesses can play in early childhood.

We heard from experts in leadership, human development, and early childhood and the focus was clear: to ensure the next generation develops the uniquely human skills needed to thrive in a world of rapid technological change, we need to start in the earliest years.

This was an important milestone in our work with business. There is huge opportunity here to make a massive difference to the lives of families with babies and young children.

To find out more about how your business can make a difference, visit The Business Taskforce website: thebusinesscase.centreforearlychildhood.org/the-fu…

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3 months ago (edited) | [YT] | 88