Spotlight on Early Years Evidence
Welcome to our Spotlight on Early Years Evidence.
This dedicated space provides Early Years practitioners with access to key research and evidence on ‘what works’ to inform the development of evidence-led practice in the Early Years.
- 02/02/26
Children of the 2020s: home learning environment and screen time at age 2
In January 2026, the Department for Education published its second summary of key findings from the Children of the 2020s (COT20s) study on the home learning environment at age 2, including screen time and digital media use. This phase of the research was carried out by UCL - you can read th...Read Full Story - 26/01/26
The Children of the 2020s Study
The Children of the 2020s (COT20s) study is a longitudinal national research study following the lives of children born in the 2020s over the course of their first five years. The study has been commissioned and funded by the Department for Education (DfE). It is being led by University Col...Read Full Story - 23/01/26
Starting Reception website
The Starting Reception website has been developed by a coalition of early years organisations, and is promoted by the Department for Education. It aims to support parents and educators with guidance and resources to help their children develop the essential skills needed for starting primary school...Read Full Story - 11/11/25
EEF Early Years Toolkit
The Early Years Toolkit from the Education Endowment Foundation (EEF) is an accessible summary of the evidence base for a range of approaches that have the potential to improve outcomes for children.Read Full Story - 10/11/25
Best Start in Life: A Research Review for Early Years
Best Start in Life is one in a series of curriculum research reviews carried out by Ofsted in recent years. This report focuses on the pre-school age phase, from birth to 4 years. It has been produced with the aim of supporting Early Years practitioners to raise the quality of Early Years educa...Read Full Story