From the royal launch event of Shaping Us
Jonathan Broadbery
Monday, February 6, 2023
Everyone working in early years knows how important the first years of a child’s life truly are. It is a time unlike any other in a person’s life where the brain develops at an extraordinary rate and all the building blocks for future learning are made.
However, research by the Royal Foundation has shown that only one in five people really understand just how valuable these early years are. That is why NDNA is focusing on a campaign to show that the First Five Years Count. And why the launch of ‘Shaping Us’ last week was so important.
The Princess of Wales has been a committed and powerful advocate for giving children the best start in life for many years, resulting in the work of the Royal Foundation and now this campaign. At the event we again had a chance to hear from her Royal Highness about her passion and commitment to making a difference.
Today, we're launching our new #ShapingUs campaign to highlight the importance of early childhood.
— The Royal Foundation Centre for Early Childhood (@Earlychildhood) January 31, 2023
Watch this video to find out how and why our early childhood shapes the adults we become. pic.twitter.com/0071XXVquW
As well as a screening of the new campaign video, experts like Professor Eamon McCrory and paediatrician Dr Guddi Singh spoke about the evidence and research behind the campaign. But possibly more importantly, celebrities and business leaders attended and added their voices to the campaign.
The video itself conveys key life moments and opportunities for learning experienced by little Layla. From before she’s born through to her fifth birthday it includes milestones like learning to talk, walk and run, developing empathy to share with others and taking risks to become more confident and self assured.
And although the story of the video is Layla’s, the interactions she has with the adults around her are there in every element. The parents, grandparents, nursery staff and sports coaches all play their part in the experiences she has.
In the screening theatre I was particularly drawn to the moment of doubt and uncertainty that comes with the transition from the home into a nursery setting. This is always a big moment in both children and their parents’ lives but the video captures this in just a few seconds before the reassuring voice of an adult in the setting comes in.
All the research, knowledge and attention that goes into transitions was distilled into that moment. You feel the uncertainty and know that in that instant, Layla could have a reassuring experience or a negative one – but that either way it will have a significant impact on her.
The fact that she is greeted with kindness, love and reassurance is the springboard for all the other experiences she goes on to have at nursery. And that is determined by the relationships she builds with her key person and the other adults at her setting.
That is why NDNA’s campaign is now focusing on the workforce. Making sure that those already working in early years get the recognition and respect they deserve and encouraging people to look again at an early years career.
At the event the old adage was repeated that it takes a village to raise a child. But Rochelle Humes from My Little Coco went further, saying for her it was a small island. That is what these campaigns should do – make our whole society into one that helps families raise resilient, inquisitive and supported children who can go on to achieve their potential.
Bringing the uniqueness of early years out into a wider public debate is something we can all get behind. Because that’s how we as a society learn to truly appreciate the value of early years, and only then will we be that village which supports all children and families to thrive.
Jonathan Broadbery is director of policy and communications at the National Day Nurseries Association (NDNA)
