Research unlocks the world of the child

Scientific research is convincing in its message that experiences from before birth to age three can shape a child’s lifelong physical, emotional and mental development.

• Research confirms that a child’s experience up to the age of three years shapes its future out of all proportion to the rest of childhood.
• A secure primary attachment is the main protective factor for the developing brain.
• The first three years of life strongly determine the future wellbeing of a child, and their physical and mental health
• Children’s wellbeing is economically and psychologically important to the wellbeing of the whole of society
• Research makes the case why the emotional health of the under-threes should be at the heart of Government policy

This material appears in the form of summaries. Research published in peer-reviewed journals from the fields of neuroscience, psychology, biology, and the medical / health sciences is distilled into an accessible format.

This science affords vital insights into how early life experience impacts on the emotional development and wellbeing of young children and the potential impact on their future mental and physical health.

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