Early Years News Roundup | 20 March 2025

Plus, The Hidden Connection Between Seafood and Social Skills

Author

Sophie Bruxner-Randall
March 20, 2025 • Estimated Reading Time: 6 minutes

Welcome to The Early Years News Roundup, brought to you by Babyzone, an essential newsletter for everyone working in early years. Each week, we deliver the latest news from around the world because we believe in the power of shared learning and collaboration.

Spotlight 🌟

Babyzone’s new report, "Raising Agents, Not Just Thinkers," challenges the long-held belief that intelligence is the key to success. Instead, it argues that agency—the ability for children to take initiative, make decisions, and solve problems—is what really sets them up for life.

  • âś… Early years shape everything: 80% of brain connections that influence behavior and resilience form by age two.

  • âś… Let them figure it out: Babyzone’s classes encourage kids to explore, problem-solve, and make decisions on their own.

  • âś… It’s about doing, not just knowing: Confidence and independence come from letting kids take charge, even if it means getting it wrong sometimes.

Discover how Babyzone’s evidence-informed classes, community spaces, and problem-solving approach are helping children develop this essential life skill from the earliest years.

Community Spotlights ⛲️

Councillor Ryan Holloway visited Tops Wareham Nursery for World Book Day, where he participated in storytelling sessions and engaged with children and staff about the challenges and opportunities in early education. The visit highlighted the nursery’s strategic focus on early literacy as a foundation for cognitive, social, and emotional development. Staff showcased how daily reading activities are integrated into the curriculum to enhance language skills, imagination, and emotional regulation.

In Conversation 🗣️

Wonderful to be at Stanford University Graduate School of Education and… | Lara Legassick

We had a fantastic discussion about what we’re doing at Babyzone across the UK, exploring opportunities to draw on Stanford’s cutting-edge research and tools to support children and families even more effectively. We also talked about their recent publication, The New Ecology of Early Childhood.

It was inspiring to hear Professor Fisher’s insights and to share our experiences in designing and delivering impactful programs. We both emphasised the importance of continuous improvement. We are excited to continue refining our approach to ensuring children have the best possible start in life.

This visit was a reminder of the power of partnership between forward-thinking academic research and on-the-ground implementation. Together, we can build even stronger, evidence-based programs that drive real change for families.

Research & Insights 🔬

Childhood seizures do not cause neuronal death but lead to neuroinflammation and altered neuroplasticity, influencing autism, ADHD, and schizophrenia development. Early intervention may reverse these effects, highlighting the importance of timely diagnosis and treatment. Exploring innovative therapies could improve long-term outcomes for affected children.

New research highlights that incorporating two servings of seafood per week in children's diets can significantly enhance social interactions and cooperation. Nutrients like omega-3 fatty acids are linked to better emotional regulation, communication, and peer relationships—key foundations for early social and cognitive development.

This insight underscores the importance of nutritionally balanced meal programs in fostering prosocial behavior and emotional intelligence. Promoting seafood consumption within early childhood settings could support long-term developmental gains and enhance collaborative learning environments.

Global Perspectives 🌎

Transforming Nigeria's education landscape hinges on investment in funding, securing safe schools, and enhancing teacher conditions. The Nigeria Union of Teachers champions these reforms against privatisation pressures, advocating teacher retention through extended careers. The unwavering dedication of educators fuels sustainable growth and enriches future societal prospects through quality education.

Stress from immigration raids and social instability can significantly impact immigrant children's mental health and academic performance. Research highlights that creating safe, inclusive school environments—paired with culturally responsive mental health services—can help mitigate these challenges and foster emotional resilience.

Strategies such as explicitly welcoming immigrant families, celebrating cultural diversity, and addressing discrimination are key to improving psychological wellbeing and academic engagement. Strengthening support networks and fostering a sense of belonging can drive positive developmental and educational outcomes for immigrant children.

India's commitment to foundational learning addresses critical early education gaps, presenting clear opportunities for impactful investment. Initiatives like NIPUN Bharat aim to bolster literacy and numeracy while systemic issues require targeted solutions. Strategic investment in teacher training, alongside inclusive and holistic curricula, promises substantial educational and societal benefits, particularly for disadvantaged youth, ensuring a robust and sustainable foundation for future growth.

Research from Accra, Ghana involving 121 infants reveals that exposure to two to six languages—through caregiver interaction and media sources—enhances cognitive flexibility, problem-solving, and social skills. Multilingual environments are linked to improved memory, attention, and emotional regulation, reinforcing the developmental benefits of early language diversity. This highlights the impressive value of introducing multiple languages in early childhood settings. Investing in multilingual learning programs and language-rich environments can drive long-term cognitive and social advantages, positioning children for stronger academic performance and global adaptability.

Early Years News Roundup with Babyzone is a Contentive publication in the Social Impact division