Getting it right from the start: how Early Years practitioners work with babies and toddlers
Commissioned by Ofsted in 2024 and published in 2025 to look specifically at practice with babies and toddlers, this research aimed to help address what was seen as a largely neglected area of Early Years research. This is particularly pertinent in the context of recent childcare reforms which have increased the entitlement to funded places and therefore the number of babies and toddlers in early years provision.
The findings are based on an extensive practitioner survey, research visits to nurseries and childminders, focus groups with inspectors of early years provision, and a literature review.
The research study sets out what is being done well for babies and toddlers, and also looks at areas that could be improved. “We want practitioners, leaders and managers to think about any gaps or weaknesses in their practice… and to share and build on good practice.” These include, among others, findings related to child/adult interactions, practitioner misconceptions and supporting physical development.