Early Childhood Research

Early Experiences & Relationships Are Key

Research has shown that children’s experiences and relationships during their earliest years are the essential ingredients to future success in school, work and life. Various studies have reported better life outcomes for children who access early intervention, early education and care: greater school and further education completion rates, higher earnings and better health.

A child’s most important relationship is with their parent or caregiver. This early relationship is fundamental to infant mental health. It teaches babies how to regulate their own emotions and behaviour, it develops their confidence and self-reliance, and helps them do better in a range of situations.

Unfortunately, adverse early life experiences prevent children from forming secure attachments with adult caregivers that support long-term social, emotional and even physical well-being. Children who do not develop these crucial social and emotional skills are at a disadvantage compared to their peers for years to come.

Fortunately, research also demonstrates that access to early intervention and high-quality early education experiences and family support have the potential to dampen the negative effects of adverse childhood experiences and advance positive outcomes. Nurture Families is passionate about this important area of research, promoting a focus on social and emotional development, the critical 1001 days, and early intervention at a policy and strategic level across Herefordshire and Worcestershire.

We reached 1000+ children through our direct service and through our professional development programmes

We reached 190+ professionals through our professional development programmes

We reached 1020+ parents through our direct service and through our outreach and professional development programmes

Research Summary

Through action research approaches within our communities, local needs analyses, countless literature reviews, and policy review, Nurture Families has developed an ambitious strategy for Herefordshire and Worcestershire that focuses on early intervention: the critical 1001 days. The earlier the investment, the greater the return. Comprehensive Early Childhood programmes that start at birth strengthen families and society.

Growing Change Project

Nurturing and Responsive Relationships

Consistent, predictable and responsive relationships are fundamental to infant mental health. Early relationships set a template for how babies begin to think about themselves and others. These relationships along with safe and secure environments, nutrition, health-promoting behaviours and enriching early education experiences serve as the early foundations of lifelong health and wellbeing.

Parent-Infant Relationship Teams

Programmes that support parent well-being during and soon after pregnancy, as well as promote the nurturing attachment and relationship between parent and child, are foundational for a child’s healthy social and emotional development. Half of all mental health conditions are established by 14 years old. A baby needs just one loving, sensitive and responsive relationship in this critical period of growth to develop healthy communication and behavioural skills that will stay with them for years.

Successfully Support Social & Emotional Development

Overall, early intervention and early education and care programmes can successfully support young children’s social and emotional development by supporting parents as their children’s primary nurturers, educators and advocates through intensive, relationship-based services; providing consistent and continuous support through children’s first five years of life; having well-trained staff who are knowledgeable about early childhood development and are able to form trusting and nurturing relationships with parents and young children; and using evidence-based practices that acknowledge and support the social and emotional underpinnings of early childhood development.