Child with magnifying glassWe all know that findings from early childhood studies and neuroscience have shown that children’s early experiences are important in affecting health, behaviour and developmental outcomes.

In their first three years, children develop physically, cognitively and emotionally at a faster rate than at any other time in their lives. All professionals need to respond to this by supporting children as they learn to walk and run, speak and communicate, relate to others, play, and explore their world.

As a foundation years professional you need to provide the children in your setting with the balance of child-initiated play, focused and structured learning to ensure that they enjoy learning to read, write, use numbers, think mathematically, explore their world and make creations.

The principles and commitments of the Early Years Foundation Stage Framework are rooted in child development, effective pedagogy and learning and development.

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National Strategies

Reflective questions:
  • When did you last take some time out to read or refer to a piece of research on child development to inform your practice?
  • How do you use your knowledge of child development to work with children and families for whom English is not their first language?