Early Years News Roundup | Turning Early Years Evidence into Real-World Impact

Spotlight 🌟

Babyzone Insights: Putting Evidence into Practice

Babyzone’s new report, "Putting Evidence into Practice: Babyzone as an Intervention Demonstrating the Findings of the Better Purpose Targeted Review" outlines how Babyzone’s approach aligns with the evidence and recommendations presented in Better Purpose’s What Works (and How) to Impact Early Childhood Outcomes (January 2025). It is intended as a reflective contribution to the ongoing dialogue about effective early childhood development strategies in the UK.

A recent targeted review from Better Purpose, What Works (and How) to Impact Early Childhood Outcomes, offers funders and practitioners a timely, evidence-informed roadmap for improving early childhood development in the UK. Commissioned by a coalition of philanthropic organisations, the review draws on over 100 publications, expert interviews, and funding data to guide funders’ decisions and identify the interventions and approaches that make the greatest difference in the early years.

Among its key findings, the report highlights the importance of holistic, place-based models; the central role of parent-child relationships; and the need for collaborative, data-driven systems. The recommendations are practical and clear. Many are already being brought to life in local contexts.

Babyzone's innovative community hub model reflects many of these evidence-based recommendations, delivering broad-based support through high quality early years education, with over 200 local partnerships and a focus on removing traditional barriers to access through free services and flexible attendance. From health workshops to play-based learning and peer connection, the model aims to make early years support more accessible and responsive to families' real-world needs.

As the sector looks to strengthen outcomes and scale impact, interventions like Babyzone offer one possible route forward: rooted in evidence, adapted to place, and driven by the community.

👉 Read the full report

New Toolkit Supports Early Years Settings Transitioning Children Smoothly Into School

The Early Years Alliance has launched a Transitions Toolkit, priced at £58.30 for members and £106 for non-members, providing practical resources to help early years providers, families, and schools support children's emotional wellbeing during the move to school. Designed to keep the child's needs central, the toolkit addresses family and community engagement, offering clear steps and free training sessions to facilitate smoother school transitions for all involved. This is highly relevant for educators seeking structured, evidence-based approaches to support child development in the critical early-to-school years phase.

Expert Insight ✍️

Global Innovations in Early Years Practice: What UK Professionals Can Learn

Across the UK, early years professionals are increasingly aware that the challenges and opportunities they face are not unique. The "Born in Bradford" programme has shown the power of longitudinal research, but the real breakthrough comes when we look outward and adapt global insights to our local context.

Internationally, there is a growing movement to centre early years practice on holistic development and community engagement. In South Africa, the University of Cape Town’s approach to decolonising curricula by integrating indigenous knowledge is not just a cultural exercise—it’s a strategy for relevance and resilience. In the US, Portland State University’s requirement for community-based projects demonstrates how civic responsibility can be embedded from the earliest stages of education.

What sets these innovations apart is their commitment to values-driven practice. Sustainability, for example, is not just about recycling but about fostering a sense of stewardship and interconnectedness. The London Early Years Foundation’s partnerships with local organisations to reduce waste and promote active travel show how environmental and social goals can align.

Perhaps the most powerful lesson is the impact of collaboration. When UK and Brazilian researchers joined forces through BactiVac, they didn’t just share knowledge—they built a platform for ongoing innovation. For early years leaders, the message is clear: seek out partnerships, both local and global, and be open to learning from unexpected sources.

By embracing these approaches, UK professionals can move beyond compliance and tradition, shaping early years settings that are adaptive, inclusive, and future-ready.

Research & Insights 🔬

Functional Brain Charts Trace Early Childhood Cognitive Development from Birth to Six

Normative brain functional development charts created from over 1,000 MRI scans now detail how major brain networks mature from birth to age six, marking key cognitive milestones and network specialisation patterns. These charts offer a promising tool for the early detection of neurodevelopmental disorders, supporting more precise intervention in childhood. The study’s comprehensive mapping underscores the foundational and predictive roles of brain connectivity during early years.

The Science Of Reading Thrives When Paired With Teachers’ Expertise And Engagement

The success of the Science of Reading framework hinges not just on phonics and structured literacy methods, but on the knowledge, adaptability, and enthusiasm of early years educators. When teachers receive ongoing professional development and classroom support, they are better equipped to integrate evidence-based techniques with responsive, child-centred engagement. This dual emphasis—on rigorous methodology and the nuanced art of teaching—is proven to elevate phonics outcomes, boost early reading confidence, and drive long-term literacy gains.

Early Intervention Counters Overparenting To Build Stronger Future Leaders

Overparenting in childhood can undermine the development of leadership skills, leading to a future crisis as Gen Z enters the workforce. Early intervention, such as fostering autonomy, supporting leader identity, and allowing productive failure, is essential for preparing capable leaders. Parents and educators should actively encourage these practices to benefit individuals and organisations alike.

Yale Research Finds Infants Form Long-Term Memories Earlier Than Previously Believed

A Yale study demonstrates that infants do form long-term episodic memories, contesting previous theories that memory gaps stem from an underdeveloped hippocampus. Researchers found that children as young as four months could recognise previously seen images. These findings shift focus from memory formation to retrieval, advancing understanding of early child development.

Global Perspectives 🌎

Balanced Focus Urged For Holistic Early Childhood Education In Pakistan

Experts at a seminar in Islamabad stressed that early childhood education in Pakistan must address children's social, emotional, and psychological growth alongside academics, advocating comprehensive reforms. Such holistic development is presented as crucial for shaping responsible future citizens. New assessment policies aim to enhance education quality nationally.

Infant Social Skills Remain Strong Even In Challenging And Insecure Environments

A cross-cultural study of over 800 infants from Sweden, Uganda, Bhutan, and Zimbabwe demonstrates that key social skills, specifically gaze-following, remain intact regardless of poverty, war trauma, or parental depression. These findings challenge longstanding assumptions about vulnerability in early development, confirming remarkable resilience even in adverse environments. Actionable for policymakers and practitioners, the research underscores the universal potential for early social learning irrespective of external hardship.