Building Babies Brains
Research shows that the first 1,001 days are a critical period in early brain development. As early years educators, everything we do during this time can make a lasting difference to children’s lifelong learning and development.
We truly believe that everyone working with children and young people should have at least a basic understanding of early brain development, including how relationships and experiences shape the very architecture of the brain.
Building Strong Brain Foundations – NSPCC Video
To deepen your understanding of how early experiences shape brain development, we recommend watching this short video from the NSPCC: Building Strong Brain Foundations.
It highlights how responsive relationships and positive early experiences lay the groundwork for lifelong wellbeing. Importantly, it also reassures that even when early experiences are challenging, there are always opportunities to support and strengthen a child’s brain development. This message aligns closely with our commitment to promoting trauma-informed, attachment-aware practice across Sefton.
With this in mind, we aim to share key messages about early brain development as widely as possible. Where appropriate, these messages are woven through all of our training and are explored in more depth through our Attachment and Trauma Sensitive Setting Award. For more information on the full training offer available, please visit the Sefton Early Years webpage.
There are a number of excellent national campaigns that can help deepen your knowledge and understanding of early brain development. Many of these websites offer free resources that can be used for staff CPD or shared with parents and carers.
For example, The Oxford Brain Story provides a wide range of resources to help professionals understand the science behind how experiences shape the brain and the long-term implications for both mental and physical health. A range of free resources and short videos on early development are available at no cost. Using powerful metaphors, these materials are excellent for staff training.
The Look, Say, Sing, Play early years resources combine key messages about brain science with everyday activities, making them ideal for sharing with parents and carers.
If you would like more information or free resources to share with parents and carers, please contact heather.pearce@sefton.gov.uk
See below for a list of excellent resources relating to Building Babies Brains.
This free online course is for professionals seeking a deeper understanding of brain development and its consequences for resilience and lifelong health.
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A range of resources can be accessed on the The Look, Say, Sing and Play website.
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An excellent resource for babies and early years educators.
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A great guide for early years workers on using attachment ideas in their day-to-day practice.
Visit their website for more and to download the booklet.
There is a growing body of research to support the importance of the first 1,001 critical days. This infographic pulls out some key facts and statistics to support the case for action.
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The First 1001 Days Movement is a group of organisations and professionals working together to campaign about the importance of the emotional wellbeing of babies.
Click here to access their website for more.
Great guidance for leaders and Managers of early years settings.
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Discover practical, evidence-based guidance to support early childhood development. Save the Children’s Building Brains programme draws on the latest neuroscience to promote early stimulation, brain development, and holistic wellbeing, helping to give young children the best possible start in life. Visit their website for more.
The early years are critical for brain development, with 90% occurring before age five. Yet, many programmes overlook the vital window from birth to age three. Save the Children’s Building Brains Common Approach aims to close this gap by promoting early learning and responsive care during this foundational stage. Learn more about how this approach supports young children’s cognitive and emotional development on their website.
Explore how brain development and language skills grow hand-in-hand during a child’s early years. This briefing highlights the science behind young children’s brain development and offers practical tips for parents, carers, and early years professionals to help ‘build your child’s brain’. Read more on their website.
Explore world-leading research and engaging videos on early brain development and the power of responsive relationships. The Harvard Center offers clear, accessible insights into how early experiences shape lifelong outcomes. Visit their website and watch the video below to learn more.