The early years of a child’s life are a period of rapid growth and development, laying the foundation for future learning, success and wellbeing. During this critical time, children’s brains are developing at an astonishing rate, forming the connections that will support their cognitive, social, and emotional abilities throughout their lives.

• Brainpower Boost: according to the Institute for Fiscal Studies, children who participate in high-quality early childhood education programmes in England exhibit an average increase of 0.2 standard deviations in IQ scores compared to those who do not. This boost in cognitive abilities can translate to a 10% increase in the likelihood of attending university and a 7% increase in earnings later in life.

• Literacy Leap: a study by the Sutton Trust found that children who participated in early childhood education programmes were 26% more likely to read fluently by the end of Year 2 than those who did not. This early literacy advantage can have a significant impact on future academic success, as children with strong reading skills are more likely to excel in all subjects.

• Social-Emotional Advantage: a study by the Centre for Social and Economic Research found that children who participated in a high-quality early childhood education programme were 30% less likely to experience mental health difficulties and behavioural problems later in life. This reduction in social-emotional problems can lead to improved wellbeing, better relationships, and increased academic engagement.

• Economic Impact: a study by the National Institute of Economic and Social Research found that every pound invested in early childhood education yields a return of between £7 and £10 in savings on later social programmes, such as special education and youth justice. This highlights the cost-effectiveness of early childhood education as an investment in society’s future.

Parental Engagement Matters

A study by the Department for Education found that children whose parents are actively involved in their education are 15% more likely to attend school regularly, 10% more likely to achieve higher grades, and 12% more likely to achieve better Key Stage 2 results. Parental involvement plays a crucial role in supporting children’s learning and development, both at home and in school.

These statistics underscore the transformative power of early years development and the critical role that teachers and parents play in shaping a child’s future in the UK context. By providing a nurturing environment, engaging learning opportunities, and supportive relationships, early childhood educators and parents can empower children to reach their full potential and thrive in all aspects of life.

Case Study: the Effective Provision of Preschool Education (EPPE) Project

The EPPE Project, conducted by researchers at the University of Sheffield and the University of London, examined the long-term effects of high-quality early childhood education. The study followed a group of over 2,300 children from birth to age 33, comparing those who attended high-quality preschool programmes to those who did not.

The results of the study were striking. Children who participated in high-quality preschool demonstrated significantly better outcomes in various areas, including:

• Cognitive Development: children in the preschool group had higher IQ scores, indicating enhanced cognitive abilities.

• Literacy and Numeracy Skills: preschoolers exhibited improved literacy and numeracy skills, laying the groundwork for future academic success.

• Social and Emotional Development: preschool attendance fostered better social and emotional development, leading to improved self-regulation, empathy and interpersonal skills.

• Behavioural Problems: children who participated in preschool were less likely to exhibit behavioural problems, suggesting a positive impact on self-control and social-emotional regulation.

• Educational Attainment: preschoolers were more likely to attend university and secure employment, indicating a positive impact on their long-term educational and career trajectories.

The EPPE Project provides compelling evidence of the transformative power of high-quality early childhood education. By investing in preschool programmes we can equip children with the skills and knowledge they need to thrive in school, their personal lives and their future careers.

Early years development is a critical period in a child’s life, shaping their future learning, success and wellbeing. Investing in high-quality early childhood education programmes is essential for maximising children’s potential and reaping long-term benefits for individuals and society as a whole. By providing children with nurturing environments, engaging learning opportunities, and supportive relationships, we can empower them to reach their full potential and contribute to a brighter future for all.

How Parents Can Help Teachers Engage Children in Learning

Parents play a crucial role in supporting their children’s learning and development, both at home and in school. By working together with teachers, parents can create a supportive and stimulating learning environment that fosters children’s growth and success. Here are some ways parents can help teachers engage their children in learning:

• Read to your child every day. This simple act has a profound impact on children’s literacy development, vocabulary acquisition, and imagination.

• Talk to your child about their school day. Show genuine interest in their learning experiences and ask open-ended questions to encourage them to share their thoughts and ideas.

• Help your child with their homework. Provide guidance and support without doing the work for them. This helps them develop problem-solving skills and a sense of ownership over their learning.

• Create a dedicated study space at home. Ensure a quiet, well-lit space where your child can focus on their schoolwork without distractions.

• Limit screen time. Excessive screen time can interfere with children’s sleep, attention span and ability to concentrate. Establish clear boundaries and encourage alternative activities like reading, playing outdoors or engaging in hobbies.

• Involve your child in extracurricular activities. Encourage them to participate in sports, clubs or other activities that align with their interests. These activities provide opportunities for social interaction, skill development and personal growth.

• Be positive and supportive. Let your child know that you believe in their abilities and are proud of their accomplishments. Positive reinforcement can boost their confidence and motivation to learn.

TT Education’s Contribution to Early Years Development and Improvement

TT Education plays a significant role in supporting and enhancing early years development and improvement. Through its comprehensive range of services, TT Education empowers early years practitioners to create nurturing environments that foster children’s holistic growth, as well as tips and tricks to pass on to parents to engage them in their children’s learning.

Here’s how TT Education contributes to early years development and improvement:

• High-Quality CPD: TT Education provides a vast collection of high-quality early years CPD courses, including play-based learning activities, curriculum guides and assessment tools. These resources align with the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) and support children’s development across all seven areas of learning.

• Professional Development: TT Education offers a variety of professional development opportunities for early years practitioners, including online courses, workshops and conferences. These programmes help practitioners enhance their knowledge, skills and understanding of early years pedagogy, enabling them to provide effective and stimulating learning experiences for children.

• Parent Engagement: TT Education recognises the crucial role of parents in early years development and provides resources and guidance to support their involvement in their children’s learning. Collaborate with one of TT Education’s School Improvement Partners who will help you develop your own parent workshops and family engagement strategies to help parents create a supportive learning environment at home and complement the child’s learning experiences at school. TT Education is dedicated to make sure all educational outcomes for children are positive and the Early Years is the very first step in making sure their Path to Success begins well.

TT Education’s comprehensive approach to early years development and improvement empowers early years practitioners and parents to create nurturing environments that foster children’s holistic growth and equip them with the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in school and life.