Early Childhood Unit
Working to give children the best start in life.
The Early Childhood Unit (ECU) exists to improve the quality of life of young children. We achieve this through working with early education and childcare providers, national networks, and by seeking to influence and inform policy & practice in the early years.
ECU partners with local organisations to bring about change for young children through developing and delivering grant-funded projects. We also offer a range of bought-in training options for Local Authorities, early years’ settings and individuals. ECU has a wealth of early years expertise and experience and our aim is to work with and support the sector, by being solution-focussed, proactive and partnering with others to improve opportunities for children under five in the UK.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, we adapted our training and projects to be delivered virtually.
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Listening to the voices of young children - now available to book
A one-day introductory course for all those who work with young children to find out how to more effectively listen to young children to ensure that their views, wishes and feelings are being considered, and that we are tuning in to their needs and preferences.
This course will inspire and enable practitioners, through everyday practice, to listen to young children and involve them in decisions which affect their lives. This is being offered at a special introductory price for groups and individuals.
Making it REAL - One Day Training
The programme is inspired by the original REAL project delivered by Professors Cathy Nutbrown and Peter Hannon at the University of Sheffield.
This training will help you to understand how the home learning environment contributes to children’s literacy and communication skills.