Children's brains are built by positive parent and caregiver interactions called "serve and return", involving back and forth play between children and caregivers[1]. These experiences build strong brain architecture, creating a solid foundation for learning, behaviour, and health[2].
This is one of the conclusions of groundbreaking research undertaken by Alberta Family Wellness which sought to explore how experiences in early childhood mould and shape human brains as the child develops into later childhood, adolescence, and adulthood. Therefore, the role of enabling adults in this process is incredibly vital, yet, many adults remain unaware of the significant part they play in the development of the child in their life.
A recent study of parents by Early Years Wales showed that parents thought that the first five years of a child's life was 'very important' in terms of determining their future academic success and long-term heath, only 55% of the same parents surveyed thought that childcare was a valued profession. Extrapolating from this data, this indicates that many adults may not understand the important role that childcare plays in supporting child development, as well as the part they can play, alongside childcare, in ensuring that their child has the best start in life.
This blog will explore this concept in detail, covering the importance of child development, how adults working as practitioners are trained to support young children, as well as the importance of raising awareness of the role of interventions parents can play.
This blog will adopt the NPSCC's definition of Child Development, which states: "Child development refers to the physical, cognitive, emotional and social growth that occurs throughout a child's life"[1].
It is the most important state in the life of a human being, laying the foundations for the outlook of one's entire life. Therefore, it is incredibly crucial that the importance of this stage of life is understood by policy makers and wider society.
Currently, children are voiceless in the communities which they are living in, with decisions for them being made by adults who feel they have their best interests at heart. This approach enables us to really consider how we can build our communities around making them safe and accessible spaces for children, assisting their physical and cognitive development in all its guises.
Whilst it is hard to fully quantify the extent in which adults across Wales understand the importance of and how to support the development of the child in their life, we can extrapolate conclusions from current health trends and statistics about how well children are supported in current society:
- 45% of children between 0 and 4 live in relative income poverty[1]
- Over 10% of children and young people have long-term communication needs. Research suggests that there is a high incidence of poorer early language skills in socially deprived areas. 32% of children with speech, language and communication needs (SLCN) live in areas of high social disadvantage[2]
On a community level, we are seeing an overall reduction of green spaces, with children's parks becoming increasingly fenced off, public spaces being used for private events and Welsh councils reporting over £100 million in unspent Section 106 money provided by developers for the aim of public goods[3]. This data set provides an insight into the current awareness of child development amongst both policy makers and the wider public at large because, put simply, these statistics would not be a reality if awareness of the importance of child development was understood effectively.
There is significant research detailing the disastrous impact of poverty on the development of young children, as well as the importance of green spaces to play and thrive. However, not all is lost, there are steps that policy makers can take to rectify the current situation, starting with raising awareness of the important role of childcare and child developmental support by early years practitioners.
Early years practitioners are trained to provide high quality support which is tailored to the needs and wants of the child in their care. This support is vital in creating a solid base in which their physical and cognitive development can thrive into later childhood and adolescence, whilst sharing good practice with parents about how this development can be supported within the home, especially with regards to maintaining child health[1].
Research showcases that providers understand the importance of their role as caregivers[2], being there to equip the child with the skills and support they need for their lives, much of which the child may no have had access to up until the point of commencing their time in the childcare setting. In Wales, childcare settings are encouraged to adopt an approach outlined in Early Childhood, Play, Learning and Care Guidance (ECPLC), which is based on the wider internationally recognised model of Early Childhood Education and Care (ECEC). ECPLC is founded on the principle that "Children have the right to grow up in a happy, healthy and safe environment"[3].
ECPLC and social justice goes hand in hand, recognising that children's rights are central to happy and healthy development, and emphasises the vital role in which the practitioner plays in helping young children through this process[4].
This is a tremendous piece of guidance and sets Wales apart from other UK nations in terms of the value it places on the early years sector in supporting the next generation. This is recognised in our Manifesto released ahead of the Senedd elections in 2026, which called for ECPLC guidance to be adopted as statutory legislation by the next Welsh government. If adopted, the value of and vital role undertaken by the early years sector will be truly recognised on a legal basis, ensuring that the future of child development is placed on a high footing in future administrations.
Unfortunately, the past decade and a half has seen a slow erosion of parental support and advice services that are readily accessible for antenatal and new parents who are seeking support with their child. This is a UK wide phenomenon, but research from the Bevan Foundation in 2023 found that cutbacks to children services made by councils in Wales have left children and families poorer[5]. This is of course in reference to the relative income poverty rates experienced by children, but this metric can also be applied to the amount of knowledge parents can access regarding how best they can support their child. Research from Children in Wales states that family support services across Wales are continually stretched, with support often having to be moved away from early intervention and prevention to meet families with higher level needs[6].
This means that many families across Wales are going without the support, guidance and advice that would make an incredible difference to the child.
The obvious conclusion to draw from the above paragraph would be to state that further governmental investment is required to help tackle the current crisis we are seeing in child and family support services. However, a further, and a more immediate cost-effective solution would be to enhance the knowledge amongst parents of the important role that they play in their child's development through high level public information campaigns designed to speak to their role as enablers for child development.
This is important for two reasons, the first of which is the enhancement of the public perception of the value of the early years sector in supporting child development. Secondly, as referenced previously, sharing this knowledge amongst adults has the impact of reinforcing the importance of early intervention in child development, and the positive role they can have on the child in their lives.
[1] ResearchGate | The role of childcare providers in the prevention of childhood overweight
[2] Taylor and Francis | Child-care providers’ perceptions of their role in early childhood healthy lifestyle behaviours
[3]Welsh Government | Early Childhood Play, Learning and Care Plan in Wales
[4] Welsh Government | Early Childhood Play, Learning and Care Plan in Wales
[5]BBC | Council cuts may leave children in Wales poorer - charity
[6]Children in Wales | State of Parenting and Family Support Sector 2024
The early years of a child's life are a critical window for physical, cognitive, emotional, and social development, and the quality of interactions they have with adults during this time a defining role in shaping their future.
Yet, despite growing research and clear evidence, societal awareness of the importance of child development remains worryingly low, as reflected in both public attitudes and policy decisions. The undervaluing of childcare professionals, underinvestment in family support services, and lack of accessible green spaces all point to a wider disconnect between what we know about child development and the action being taken.
If we are to improve outcomes for children in Wales, we must urgently shift this narrative, recognising the vital contribution of early years practitioners, embedding child development in public policy, and equipping all adults with the knowledge and confidence to play an active role in nurturing the children in their lives. Every adult has a part to play, and by working together, we can ensure that every child has the foundation they need to thrive.
Blog by Leo Holmes, Head of Policy and Advocacy