Improving outcomes for children

This section sets out the overwhelming evidence that parental involvement in children's early learning has a huge and lasting impact. It also describes the kind of parent-child relationship and opportunities that provide a positive early home learning environment.

Research unequivocally shows that, when parents have the knowledge and skills to play and engage in simple learning activities at home with their children, this can overcome risk factors such as poverty and class that are linked to underachievement and a continued cycle of social exclusion.

The importance of developing effective early home learning services is highlighted by four key messages from research:

  • How parents relate to their children from the moment of birth and what they do with them during their early years has a major impact on children's later social, emotional and intellectual development. Sylva et al, 2004
  • A child's relationships and learning experiences in the family have more influence on future achievement than innate ability, material circumstances or the quality of pre-school and school provision. Sylva et al, 2004
  • It is possible to engage parents from disadvantaged backgrounds in their children's learning. Evangelou et al, 2008

The 2008 DCSF briefing for local authorities Supporting parents to engage in their child's early learning highlights why programmes and mainstream funding that support parental engagement in their young children's learning should be prioritised within local decision making and Children and Young People's Plans.

The research evidence about the importance of a child's early years is highly significant when making strategic decisions about allocation of resources. A child's future is significantly shaped by early relationships, brain development and learning opportunities. The earlier in a child's life that resources to support parenting and parent involvement in learning are focused, the more impact they will have in turning round cycles of disadvantage.

Early years services can help young children to achieve their potential by:

  • supporting secure attachment and the parent-child relationship
  • enabling parents to engage in play and simple learning activities at home
  • increasing parental involvement in early years settings.

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Last updated: 10th December 2009 at 11:12:36