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.

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.