early years

Why relationships matter for the early years: research evidence from CRFR

Briefing that aims to summarise and distil the relevant research conducted by CRFR over the past 10 years and findings from the Scottish Government funded Growing Up in Scotland (GUS) study which tracks the lives of 8000 Scottish families and their young children from birth. CRFR is actively involved in the analysis and dissemination of GUS findings.

Insight 28: early years education - perspectives from a review of the international literature

Research that reviews how a national process of education reform for children aged 3-18 was under way and revision of the existing curriculum guidance for children aged three to five was being considered.

The review aims to point to examples, raise issues and look critically at evidence but makes no claims to be exhaustive.

Continuing professional development of early years managers and practitioners working with children under 3 years of age: technical report

Aim of the research was to identify ways in which those working in early years centres might be better supported through effective CPD opportunities, designed to meet the needs of children and their families. The research was carried out between April and September 2008.

Towards universal early years provision: analysis of take-up by disadvantaged families from recent annual childcare surveys

Report that reflects the coalition government’s commitment to continue work on identifying barriers to the uptake of early years provision among the most disadvantaged three and four year olds as an important means of reducing educational and socio-economic inequality (Gove 2010). The study uses data from the 2008 and 2009 surveys in the Childcare and Early Years Survey of Parents series.

A study of children's perspectives on the quality of their experiences in early years provision

Thesis that presents a study of three and four year-old children attending preschool at a time of rapid expansion of this phase of education. There is strong evidence that the quality of the experience is the determining factor in the long term effectiveness of early years provision. However, quality is a contested concept with a range of viewpoints, defined by different stakeholders including children.