The early years in a child’s life have been acknowledged for some time by experts as vitally important to growth, learning and overall development, but it is now recognised that it also impacts mental health.
Indeed, Ofsted published some international research in June 2023 that suggests high-quality early years provision can provide extra benefits to those from low-income backgrounds.
In England, the Early Years Curriculum Framework cover children from birth to the end of their reception year at school.
Here, we will explore why the early years are important for a child’s development.