Centre for Research in Early Childhood
@crecuk.bsky.social
Through our research, consultancy work, postgraduate degrees and training & development programmes, CREC has been working to improve Early Years provision for over 25 years.
New research paper which may be of interest: "COVID-19 school disruptions in early childhood education and children’s early elementary school outcomes: findings from the smart beginnings randomized clinical trial"
Full article is available here: buff.ly/ErMgOT6 #Research #Covid19 #Pandemic
Full article is available here: buff.ly/ErMgOT6 #Research #Covid19 #Pandemic
Browse all journals
Browse all journals
buff.ly
November 7, 2025 at 11:46 AM
New research paper which may be of interest: "COVID-19 school disruptions in early childhood education and children’s early elementary school outcomes: findings from the smart beginnings randomized clinical trial"
Full article is available here: buff.ly/ErMgOT6 #Research #Covid19 #Pandemic
Full article is available here: buff.ly/ErMgOT6 #Research #Covid19 #Pandemic
Hear from current SCITT student Chloe about her experience and advice for anyone considering training to teach. You can also book a 1:1 call to find out more, or attend our upcoming event at the Get Into Teaching event in Birmingham on 22nd November. Find out more: buff.ly/RnZ1Clz #TeacherTraining
November 6, 2025 at 11:46 AM
Hear from current SCITT student Chloe about her experience and advice for anyone considering training to teach. You can also book a 1:1 call to find out more, or attend our upcoming event at the Get Into Teaching event in Birmingham on 22nd November. Find out more: buff.ly/RnZ1Clz #TeacherTraining
An online survey has been launched to hear views from across the early years sector to guide the review.
Get involved - complete the survey: buff.ly/5b0kDT3
Learn more about the review: buff.ly/1O41h6x
Get involved - complete the survey: buff.ly/5b0kDT3
Learn more about the review: buff.ly/1O41h6x
November 5, 2025 at 12:48 PM
An online survey has been launched to hear views from across the early years sector to guide the review.
Get involved - complete the survey: buff.ly/5b0kDT3
Learn more about the review: buff.ly/1O41h6x
Get involved - complete the survey: buff.ly/5b0kDT3
Learn more about the review: buff.ly/1O41h6x
The Local Government Association (LGA) is cautioning that proposals to reduce the portion of childcare funding that councils are allowed to keep could jeopardise their broader initiatives to assist families. buff.ly/4Mf4nsR #EarlyChildhood #ChildcareFunding #EarlyEducation
Cut in council childcare funding may negatively impact families, warns LGA - CYP Now
Plans to cut the amount of childcare funding councils can retain could undermine their wider efforts to support families, the Local Government Association (LGA) is warning.
buff.ly
November 5, 2025 at 11:46 AM
The Local Government Association (LGA) is cautioning that proposals to reduce the portion of childcare funding that councils are allowed to keep could jeopardise their broader initiatives to assist families. buff.ly/4Mf4nsR #EarlyChildhood #ChildcareFunding #EarlyEducation
Study shows that even before they can read, young children are visualising letters and other objects with the same strategies adults use. Read more: buff.ly/PTnnwnh
#EarlyChildhood
#EarlyChildhood
Even before they can read, young children are visualizing letters and other objects with the same strategies adults use
Recent research shows that young children typically manipulate and rotate entire objects in their minds to understand challenges such as puzzles.
buff.ly
November 4, 2025 at 11:46 AM
Study shows that even before they can read, young children are visualising letters and other objects with the same strategies adults use. Read more: buff.ly/PTnnwnh
#EarlyChildhood
#EarlyChildhood
The government has activated the Best Start digital parenting hub, providing an array of services and resources for parents and families. More here: buff.ly/miKJzYa #BestStartInLife #EarlyChildhood #EYFS #EarlyYears
Best Start in Life campaign launched to support families | www.eyalliance.org.uk
The government's new Best Start digital parenting hub has gone live with a range of services for parents and families
buff.ly
November 3, 2025 at 11:46 AM
The government has activated the Best Start digital parenting hub, providing an array of services and resources for parents and families. More here: buff.ly/miKJzYa #BestStartInLife #EarlyChildhood #EYFS #EarlyYears
Interested in becoming a teacher? Attend a free Get Into Teaching event!
Don’t miss out, sign up to an event today - and be sure to visit the CREC stand on Saturday 22 November 2025 at the Birmingham Conference & Events Centre between 10am- 2:30pm.
buff.ly/9R649RE
#TrainToTeach #GetIntoTeaching
Don’t miss out, sign up to an event today - and be sure to visit the CREC stand on Saturday 22 November 2025 at the Birmingham Conference & Events Centre between 10am- 2:30pm.
buff.ly/9R649RE
#TrainToTeach #GetIntoTeaching
October 31, 2025 at 11:46 AM
Interested in becoming a teacher? Attend a free Get Into Teaching event!
Don’t miss out, sign up to an event today - and be sure to visit the CREC stand on Saturday 22 November 2025 at the Birmingham Conference & Events Centre between 10am- 2:30pm.
buff.ly/9R649RE
#TrainToTeach #GetIntoTeaching
Don’t miss out, sign up to an event today - and be sure to visit the CREC stand on Saturday 22 November 2025 at the Birmingham Conference & Events Centre between 10am- 2:30pm.
buff.ly/9R649RE
#TrainToTeach #GetIntoTeaching
Freshly revamped information website from the Early Years Alliance: buff.ly/EAUBi9Y #EYFS #EarlyYears #FamilyCorner
Home | Early Years Alliance Family Corner
Welcome to Family Corner Free information, advice and online sessions to help you understand your child's development Stay informed, your way Sign up t ...
buff.ly
October 30, 2025 at 11:46 AM
Freshly revamped information website from the Early Years Alliance: buff.ly/EAUBi9Y #EYFS #EarlyYears #FamilyCorner
"Expecting children to sit still and formally learn how to write at this early age conflicts with widely accepted theories around cognitive and physical development."
ift.tt/I1Vvszq
#SchoolReadiness #SchoolReady #ReceptionYear #4YearOlds
ift.tt/I1Vvszq
#SchoolReadiness #SchoolReady #ReceptionYear #4YearOlds
Four-year-olds don’t need to sit still to be ‘school ready’
Children need physical play to develop their strength, coordination, and motor skills.
ift.tt
October 29, 2025 at 11:46 AM
"Expecting children to sit still and formally learn how to write at this early age conflicts with widely accepted theories around cognitive and physical development."
ift.tt/I1Vvszq
#SchoolReadiness #SchoolReady #ReceptionYear #4YearOlds
ift.tt/I1Vvszq
#SchoolReadiness #SchoolReady #ReceptionYear #4YearOlds
There are many upcoming opportunities to get more information on our School Centred Initial Teacher Training (SCITT) course. You'll find plenty of information on our website here: buff.ly/RnZ1Clz and of course hear from current student Emily:
#SCITT #GetIntoTeaching #Teaching #EarlyYearsTeaching
#SCITT #GetIntoTeaching #Teaching #EarlyYearsTeaching
October 28, 2025 at 11:46 AM
There are many upcoming opportunities to get more information on our School Centred Initial Teacher Training (SCITT) course. You'll find plenty of information on our website here: buff.ly/RnZ1Clz and of course hear from current student Emily:
#SCITT #GetIntoTeaching #Teaching #EarlyYearsTeaching
#SCITT #GetIntoTeaching #Teaching #EarlyYearsTeaching
New report finds that not all children entitled to free school meals are claiming - find out why here: buff.ly/GZnI0Ip #FreeSchoolMeals #FSM #EarlyChildhood
Characteristics, experiences and outcomes of children registered – and not registered, when entitled – for free school meals - Education Policy Institute
“Characteristics, experiences and outcomes of children registered – and not registered, when entitled – for free school meals” is an output of a wider project funded by the Nuffield Foundation: “What…
buff.ly
October 27, 2025 at 11:46 AM
New report finds that not all children entitled to free school meals are claiming - find out why here: buff.ly/GZnI0Ip #FreeSchoolMeals #FSM #EarlyChildhood
Interested in becoming a teacher? Attend a free Get Into Teaching event!
Don’t miss out, sign up to an event today - and be sure to visit the CREC stand on Saturday 22 November 2025 at the Birmingham Conference & Events Centre between 10am- 2:30pm.
buff.ly/9R649RE
#TrainToTeach #GetIntoTeaching
Don’t miss out, sign up to an event today - and be sure to visit the CREC stand on Saturday 22 November 2025 at the Birmingham Conference & Events Centre between 10am- 2:30pm.
buff.ly/9R649RE
#TrainToTeach #GetIntoTeaching
October 24, 2025 at 10:46 AM
Interested in becoming a teacher? Attend a free Get Into Teaching event!
Don’t miss out, sign up to an event today - and be sure to visit the CREC stand on Saturday 22 November 2025 at the Birmingham Conference & Events Centre between 10am- 2:30pm.
buff.ly/9R649RE
#TrainToTeach #GetIntoTeaching
Don’t miss out, sign up to an event today - and be sure to visit the CREC stand on Saturday 22 November 2025 at the Birmingham Conference & Events Centre between 10am- 2:30pm.
buff.ly/9R649RE
#TrainToTeach #GetIntoTeaching
"As experts in primary education, we take the view that expecting children to sit still and formally learn how to write at this early age conflicts with widely accepted theories around cognitive and physical development."
Read more: ift.tt/I1Vvszq
#SchoolReadiness #SchoolReady #EarlyChildhood
Read more: ift.tt/I1Vvszq
#SchoolReadiness #SchoolReady #EarlyChildhood
Four-year-olds don’t need to sit still to be ‘school ready’
Children need physical play to develop their strength, coordination, and motor skills.
ift.tt
October 23, 2025 at 10:46 AM
"As experts in primary education, we take the view that expecting children to sit still and formally learn how to write at this early age conflicts with widely accepted theories around cognitive and physical development."
Read more: ift.tt/I1Vvszq
#SchoolReadiness #SchoolReady #EarlyChildhood
Read more: ift.tt/I1Vvszq
#SchoolReadiness #SchoolReady #EarlyChildhood
Calling all Leeds and London Nursery Managers, Early Educators and Childminders: docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1F...
#EarlyEducation #EYFS #EarlyYears #Childminders #Leeds #London #LondonNurseryManagers #LeedsNurseryManagers #LeedsEYFS #LondonEYFS
#EarlyEducation #EYFS #EarlyYears #Childminders #Leeds #London #LondonNurseryManagers #LeedsNurseryManagers #LeedsEYFS #LondonEYFS
October 22, 2025 at 4:24 PM
Calling all Leeds and London Nursery Managers, Early Educators and Childminders: docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1F...
#EarlyEducation #EYFS #EarlyYears #Childminders #Leeds #London #LondonNurseryManagers #LeedsNurseryManagers #LeedsEYFS #LondonEYFS
#EarlyEducation #EYFS #EarlyYears #Childminders #Leeds #London #LondonNurseryManagers #LeedsNurseryManagers #LeedsEYFS #LondonEYFS
The Government kicks off a new national campaign to help parents cut through the bombardment of sometimes unreliable advice and false expectations online, with the Best Start in Life campaign:
beststartinlife.gov.uk
#EarlyYears #BestStartInLife #EYFS #First1001Days
beststartinlife.gov.uk
#EarlyYears #BestStartInLife #EYFS #First1001Days
Best Start In Life
The Best Start in Life parent hub
BestStartinLife.gov.uk
October 22, 2025 at 10:46 AM
The Government kicks off a new national campaign to help parents cut through the bombardment of sometimes unreliable advice and false expectations online, with the Best Start in Life campaign:
beststartinlife.gov.uk
#EarlyYears #BestStartInLife #EYFS #First1001Days
beststartinlife.gov.uk
#EarlyYears #BestStartInLife #EYFS #First1001Days
"A nursery chain in East Sussex says the funding it receives from the government to care for children of certain age groups covers less than half of what it spends." Read more: buff.ly/BYj5PpE
#NurseryFunding #NurseryPlaces #EYFS
#NurseryFunding #NurseryPlaces #EYFS
'Big question marks' over nursery places funding
Hopscotch Nurseries' managing director says funding covers less than half of what it spends.
buff.ly
October 21, 2025 at 10:46 AM
"A nursery chain in East Sussex says the funding it receives from the government to care for children of certain age groups covers less than half of what it spends." Read more: buff.ly/BYj5PpE
#NurseryFunding #NurseryPlaces #EYFS
#NurseryFunding #NurseryPlaces #EYFS
Interested in becoming a teacher? Attend a free Get Into Teaching event!
Don’t miss out, sign up to an event today - and be sure to visit the CREC stand on Saturday 22 November 2025 at the Birmingham Conference & Events Centre between 10am- 2:30pm.
buff.ly/9R649RE
#TrainToTeach #GetIntoTeaching
Don’t miss out, sign up to an event today - and be sure to visit the CREC stand on Saturday 22 November 2025 at the Birmingham Conference & Events Centre between 10am- 2:30pm.
buff.ly/9R649RE
#TrainToTeach #GetIntoTeaching
October 20, 2025 at 10:46 AM
Interested in becoming a teacher? Attend a free Get Into Teaching event!
Don’t miss out, sign up to an event today - and be sure to visit the CREC stand on Saturday 22 November 2025 at the Birmingham Conference & Events Centre between 10am- 2:30pm.
buff.ly/9R649RE
#TrainToTeach #GetIntoTeaching
Don’t miss out, sign up to an event today - and be sure to visit the CREC stand on Saturday 22 November 2025 at the Birmingham Conference & Events Centre between 10am- 2:30pm.
buff.ly/9R649RE
#TrainToTeach #GetIntoTeaching
Reposted by Centre for Research in Early Childhood
🎉 Five years of impact—and we’re just getting started!
Since 2019, we've been working hard to strengthen #EarlyYearsEducation across #Birmingham.
Together, we’ve built a thriving #network, connecting 80% of settings citywide; sharing knowledge, CPD, and cultivating a vibrant learning #community!
Since 2019, we've been working hard to strengthen #EarlyYearsEducation across #Birmingham.
Together, we’ve built a thriving #network, connecting 80% of settings citywide; sharing knowledge, CPD, and cultivating a vibrant learning #community!
October 8, 2025 at 10:48 AM
🎉 Five years of impact—and we’re just getting started!
Since 2019, we've been working hard to strengthen #EarlyYearsEducation across #Birmingham.
Together, we’ve built a thriving #network, connecting 80% of settings citywide; sharing knowledge, CPD, and cultivating a vibrant learning #community!
Since 2019, we've been working hard to strengthen #EarlyYearsEducation across #Birmingham.
Together, we’ve built a thriving #network, connecting 80% of settings citywide; sharing knowledge, CPD, and cultivating a vibrant learning #community!
"‘Poorly thought out’: expanded England childcare scheme results in higher fees for some families" buff.ly/1uR2vsb #EarlyYears #Childcare #EarlyEducation #ChildcareFunding
‘Poorly thought out’: expanded England childcare scheme results in higher fees for some families
Some parents say scheme is a ‘sticking plaster’, with providers incurring losses on every free hour offered
buff.ly
October 17, 2025 at 10:46 AM
"‘Poorly thought out’: expanded England childcare scheme results in higher fees for some families" buff.ly/1uR2vsb #EarlyYears #Childcare #EarlyEducation #ChildcareFunding
"The government must follow its bold ambitions with policy action to ensure it is both attractive enough to recruit and retain the staff numbers required to deliver the childcare entitlement and highly skilled to improve children’s outcomes." buff.ly/Y6gd7Qz
#EarlyYears #EYFS #StaffingCrisis
#EarlyYears #EYFS #StaffingCrisis
Addressing low pay among early years staff is key if the government wants to deliver on its ambitions
The government has bold ambitions for the quantity and quality of early years provision, which rely on having a workforce that is more attractive, ...
buff.ly
October 16, 2025 at 10:46 AM
"The government must follow its bold ambitions with policy action to ensure it is both attractive enough to recruit and retain the staff numbers required to deliver the childcare entitlement and highly skilled to improve children’s outcomes." buff.ly/Y6gd7Qz
#EarlyYears #EYFS #StaffingCrisis
#EarlyYears #EYFS #StaffingCrisis
In 2017, the UK government restricted benefits for children born after 6 April 2017, impacting the third and subsequent children. Nesta and the IFS evaluated this by interviewing 35 parents across four English regions. Report here: buff.ly/ORUkixu #SchoolReadiness #2ChildLimit #EarlyYears
What is the effect of the two-child limit on children’s school readiness?
Research carried out by the IFS shows that despite significantly reducing the benefit entitlements of larger families, the two-child limit had no effect on children’s school readiness
buff.ly
October 15, 2025 at 10:46 AM
In 2017, the UK government restricted benefits for children born after 6 April 2017, impacting the third and subsequent children. Nesta and the IFS evaluated this by interviewing 35 parents across four English regions. Report here: buff.ly/ORUkixu #SchoolReadiness #2ChildLimit #EarlyYears
This week our SCITT students have been exploring the role of communication and language development through stories.
Applications for the next SCITT cohort are now open - find out more and apply here: buff.ly/YVnWwYT
#TeacherTraining #EarlyYears #EYFS #Literacy #SCITT
Applications for the next SCITT cohort are now open - find out more and apply here: buff.ly/YVnWwYT
#TeacherTraining #EarlyYears #EYFS #Literacy #SCITT
October 13, 2025 at 10:46 AM
This week our SCITT students have been exploring the role of communication and language development through stories.
Applications for the next SCITT cohort are now open - find out more and apply here: buff.ly/YVnWwYT
#TeacherTraining #EarlyYears #EYFS #Literacy #SCITT
Applications for the next SCITT cohort are now open - find out more and apply here: buff.ly/YVnWwYT
#TeacherTraining #EarlyYears #EYFS #Literacy #SCITT
Interested in becoming a teacher? Attend a free Get Into Teaching event!
Don’t miss out, sign up to an event today - and be sure to visit the CREC stand on Saturday 22 November 2025 at the Birmingham Conference & Events Centre between 10am- 2:30pm.
buff.ly/9R649RE
#TrainToTeach #GetIntoTeaching
Don’t miss out, sign up to an event today - and be sure to visit the CREC stand on Saturday 22 November 2025 at the Birmingham Conference & Events Centre between 10am- 2:30pm.
buff.ly/9R649RE
#TrainToTeach #GetIntoTeaching
October 10, 2025 at 10:46 AM
Interested in becoming a teacher? Attend a free Get Into Teaching event!
Don’t miss out, sign up to an event today - and be sure to visit the CREC stand on Saturday 22 November 2025 at the Birmingham Conference & Events Centre between 10am- 2:30pm.
buff.ly/9R649RE
#TrainToTeach #GetIntoTeaching
Don’t miss out, sign up to an event today - and be sure to visit the CREC stand on Saturday 22 November 2025 at the Birmingham Conference & Events Centre between 10am- 2:30pm.
buff.ly/9R649RE
#TrainToTeach #GetIntoTeaching