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
Today, Her Royal Highness The Princess of Wales visited the University of East London to mark the launch of Foundations for Life: A Guide to Social and Emotional Development.
The visit brought together families, researchers, students and education leaders from across the UK, united by a shared commitment to strengthening understanding of social and emotional development from the very start of life.
During the visit, The Princess met Vice‑Chancellors and Further Education College CEOs who have committed to embedding this evidence‑based guide into education and training pathways. By doing so, they recognise the vital role universities and colleges play in shaping workforce capability, influencing practice across systems, and raising the status and value of the early years.
The publication of Foundations for Life coincides with the release of new research from the Centre for Early Childhood, The First Five Years: A Parent Perspective. The research shows that parents value opportunities to speak with trusted, knowledgeable practitioners and want clear, authoritative information from formal sources. When professional support is limited or brief, many parents turn to friends, family or online advice, often feeling overwhelmed by the sheer volume of information at a time when reassurance and consistency are most needed.
Read Foundations for Life: A Guide to Social and Emotional Development: lnkd.in/eUGssM7r
Read the research report, The First Five Years: A Parent Perspective: lnkd.in/ejDr8uxv
15 hours ago | [YT] | 53
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Centre for Early Childhood
Introducing Foundations for Life: A Guide to Social and Emotional Development.
This new Guide brings together evidence‑informed understanding of how social and emotional development takes shape from pregnancy to age five.
Designed to be used across training, education and professional development, it provides shared foundational knowledge for those working with babies, young children and families.
Read the guide today on our brand new resource hub: centreforearlychildhood.org/helps-resources/resour…
20 hours ago (edited) | [YT] | 42
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Centre for Early Childhood
The magical Bobeam Tree has arrived at @TheLowry! 🌳
Little explorers have been loving the colours, sounds and stories woven through this playful installation, plus the brand‑new Jack the Dog trail leading them through the Galleries.
From sensory stops to creative conversations, it’s all designed to spark imagination in our youngest visitors.
💛 Help us spread the joy - share this post with someone who’d love a visit.
📷: Tom Doon Media/ Lowry
1 month ago | [YT] | 62
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Centre for Early Childhood
Meet Professor Iram Siraj, Professor of Child Development and Education at the University of Oxford.
As an internationally recognised academic in early childhood and primary education, Iram is working to raise awareness on the importance of the first years in lifelong wellbeing.
This International Women’s Day, we’re spotlighting the experiences that shape us in a series of digital postcards. Reflecting on the impact of her work, Iram highlights how the pioneering research is helping to shape the life chances of the next generation.
To see the full postcard series 'Words that travel' visit The Royal Foundation website.
@RoyalFoundation
1 month ago | [YT] | 49
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Centre for Early Childhood
@IKEA is showing what it looks like when businesses take meaningful action.
Across the UK, many families struggle to access the essentials their babies and young children need to thrive. Securing these necessities is one of the five key areas of opportunity highlighted in our “Case for Change” business report, so it’s incredibly encouraging to see IKEA making this a priority through both local action and national influence.
Through the partnership with the Baby Bank Alliance, IKEA is:
👍 Donating £1 from every GREJSIMOJS product sold.
👍 Pairing with local baby banks to donate essential items.
👍 Using its reach, from marketing channels to social platforms, to raise awareness of baby banks and how families can access support.
This work is a powerful example of how businesses can use both their local presence and their wider influence to help ensure every child has what they need in the early years. It shows how creative, purpose‑led approaches can help close some of the most stubborn gaps faced by families.
📃 Read the report:
thebusinesscase.centreforearlychildhood.org/about/…
💡 See how your business can help secure the necessities in the early years:
thebusinesscase.centreforearlychildhood.org/opport…
2 months ago | [YT] | 49
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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…
2 months ago | [YT] | 61
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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
2 months ago (edited) | [YT] | 59
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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…
2 months ago | [YT] | 94
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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…
2 months ago | [YT] | 45
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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…
2 months ago | [YT] | 9
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