Centre for Early Childhood
Our early childhoods, the time from pregnancy to five, fundamentally shape our whole lives. Through research, campaigns and collaboration we’re working to change the way we think and act on the early years so that together we can build a happier, healthier, more nurturing world.
Centre for Early Childhood
Thirty years ago, climate science wasn't part of everyday conversation. Today, it's widely understood as an issue that affects us all.
In a recent conversation with George Looker, CEO of Babyzone, our Executive Director Christian Guy reflects on why early childhood is at a similar moment. The evidence is clear, but to create lasting change, we need to move understanding of the early years beyond the sector and into the mainstream.
As Christian explains, we can't achieve that by speaking only to those already convinced. Building a society that prioritises the earliest years means engaging everyone, from families and communities to employers and wider society.
🎧 Listen to the full conversation ⬇️
1 week ago |[YT] | 1
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Centre for Early Childhood
Tiny discoveries can make a big difference.
From the feel of wet sand between their toes to spotting treasures along the shoreline, time in nature invites babies and young children to explore, wonder and learn through their senses.
These everyday moments of curiosity help build the foundations for life.
They support how children connect with the world around them and develop through play, exploration and relationships.
2 weeks ago |[YT] | 58
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Centre for Early Childhood
Nature invites children to slow down, look closer and discover more.
From examining twigs and leaves to sharing discoveries with others, every outdoor experience offers an opportunity to learn, grow and connect.
When children are encouraged to question, discover and engage with the world around them, they develop confidence, creativity and a sense of belonging. Nature provides one of the richest environments for learning, helping children build the foundations that enable them to thrive.
1 month ago |[YT] | 77
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Centre for Early Childhood
The Princess of Wales recently shared her reflections on the importance of nature, creativity and connection in helping children thrive.
“Healthy social and emotional development is shaped through relationships with people and places. This happens everywhere, all the time: through movement and play, curiosity and interaction.”
“When children are encouraged to explore, to question, and to express themselves freely, they develop not only understanding, but a sense of self and belonging. Nature provides one of the most inspiring environments for such exploration.”
Read the essay in full on our website: centreforearlychildhood.org/news-insights/guest-es…
2 months ago |[YT] | 98
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Centre for Early Childhood
Giving babies a voice.
Today, we are announcing further investment in our work to bring the Alarm Distress Baby Scale (ADBB) to the UK.
Following the publication of a highly positive evaluation which recommends the approach is commissioned across the country, we will fund the Institute of Health Visiting to develop a guide to commissioning ADBB, create new resources tailored to a UK audience, and establish a national ADBB Community of Practice.
The evaluation found that ADBB training strengthens understanding of infant social withdrawal and increases practitioner confidence in observing and interpreting babies' behaviour. Health visitors reported feeling better equipped to articulate the baby's perspective and "give the baby a voice" in conversations with families.
By helping practitioners and families understand what babies are communicating from the very start, we can identify where additional support may be needed earlier. This helps build a culture of care and warm, nurturing relationships from the very beginning, giving every baby the best possible start in life and helping to shape the rest of their lives.
Read more on our website: centreforearlychildhood.org/news-insights/news/cen…
3 months ago |[YT] | 97
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Centre for Early Childhood
"It is vital to preserve the spirit of childhood alongside healthy development. Childhood is foundational in developing a healthy balance between mind, body and spirit. But children are not simply learners of information. They don’t analyse joy but live it; they don’t intellectualise connection, but embody it. They experience the world through feeling – through love."
Read the full essay by Her Royal Highness The Princess of Wales on the Centre for Early Childhood's website: centreforearlychildhood.org/news-insights/guest-es…
3 months ago (edited) |[YT] | 117
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Centre for Early Childhood
Play is powerful.
It encourages babies and young children to develop the social and emotional skills that help shape the rest of their lives.
From building and pretending to running and exploring, every playful moment supports curiosity, creativity, and connection.
Happy International Day of Play!
4 months ago |[YT] | 89
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Centre for Early Childhood
We are delighted to let you all know that Foundations for Life: A Guide to Social and Emotional Development is now available in audio.
With huge thanks to Shaping Us Champion, Giovanna Fletcher, for narrating it so beautifully.
Social and emotional skills shape who we are from the very earliest moments of life. Designed to support those working with babies, young children and their families, this guide makes it easier to explore the evidence, insights and practical guidance wherever you are.
Thank you, Giovanna!
Listen to the full guide on our resource hub: centreforearlychildhood.org/help-resources/resourc…
4 months ago |[YT] | 70
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Centre for Early Childhood
Social and emotional skills shape who we are, how we manage our emotions and thoughts, and how we communicate and relate to others.
These skills begin to take shape from the earliest months of life and are fundamental to our health, wellbeing and relationships. Developed through loving, responsive interactions, they form the foundations that help children to grow, learn and thrive.
Our resource, Foundations for Life, sets out why social and emotional development matters so profoundly, and how these essential skills begin to take shape from the earliest months of life.
Read the full guide on our resource hub: centreforearlychildhood.org/help-resources/resourc…
4 months ago |[YT] | 80
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Centre for Early Childhood
Reggio Emilia: Day Two 🇮🇹
Another meaningful day in Reggio Emilia, seeing how the environments around a child can help support healthy early development, prioritising those spaces and places that value presence, nature and creative expression.
5 months ago |[YT] | 139
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