The Government's Reaching Out: An Action Plan on Social Exclusion is well worth reading for anyone who works with young children, especially the chapter on the early years which advises, 'The child who is nurtured and loved will develop the neural networks which mediate empathy, compassion and the capacity to form healthy relationships.'
So it is now accepted by policy makers that first two or three years of life will lay the psychological and neurological foundations upon which the rest of it will be based. Let us hope the funding follows the need. Tony Blair hints this might be likely in his preface - 'We propose more support for very young children born into vulnerable circumstances because we know the crucial importance of the first months and years of a child's life in framing their opportunities.'
Register now to continue reading
Thank you for visiting Nursery World and making use of our archive of more than 35,000 expert features, subject guides, case studies and policy updates. Why not register today and enjoy the following great benefits:
What's included
-
Free access to 4 subscriber-only articles per month
-
Unlimited access to news and opinion
-
Email newsletter providing activity ideas, best practice and breaking news
Already have an account? Sign in here
