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Citation

Clark H, Royal P, Webb LR, Wright P, Rosier C, Beart S, Blandford S, Veale V, Bayou E, Norman A, Tonkin A, Whewell E, Hodgson A, Warrington D & Murray A (2024) The Role of the Family in Early Years Education. Children's Alliance. 3. https://royalpa.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/THE-ROLE-OF-THE-FAMILY-IN-EARLY-YEARS-EDUCATION-FINAL.pdf

Abstract
Families play a critical role in the early years of a child’s life; a time when they are experiencing rapid growth and development in all areas including physical, cognitive, social and emotional development. The family is the primary source of a child’s support during this time and it is essential for parents and caregivers to provide a nurturing, safe and stable environment that fosters growth and development. Parents and caregivers can support children’s physical development by ensuring that they receive good nutrition, adequate sleep and opportunities for regular physical activity. They can also help children to develop their cognitive skills by providing for exploration, play and learning. This can include reading to children, engaging in age appropriate activities and encouraging a rich learning environment. In addition to supporting physical and cognitive development, families also play a critical role in children’s social and emotional development. By giving love, support and guidance, parents and caregivers help children to develop positive relationships with others, build self esteem and learn to regulate their emotions. Research has shown that children who have supportive families during their early years are more likely to progress academically and socially at later stages in their lives. Conversely, children who experience neglect or abuse during this time are more likely to struggle with physical, cognitive and mental health and social and emotional issues. Currently, support for families is very fragmented across the UK and often fails to reach the very families most in need of it. Therefore, it is crucial to offer practical, non-judgemental advice, support and guidance to parents in the early years of their child’s life. To conclude, families play an essential role in the earliest years of children’s lives. With love, support and guidance, parents and caregivers can help them to develop physically, cognitively, socially and emotionally. If families are enabled to prioritise their children’s wellbeing during this critical period, they will provide a strong foundation for their later happiness, healthiness and achievement.

Notes
Additional authors: Becky HIll; Magdalene Adenaike; Karen Cooke; Pamela Murray; Carolyn Sliberfield; Marion Briggs; Tamsin Brewis; Molly Hall; Vicki Beevers