Pre-Birth to Three: The importance of the early years


Find out why the care that is given in the earliest years plays a crucial part in children's development and has a wider impact on society.

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Video: Pre-Birth to Three DVD: The Importance of the Early Years
Whilst babies are eager to learn and make sense of the world, they require positive and consistent relationships to support them in this journey.

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Pre-Birth to Three DVD: The Importance of the Early Years (315.1 MB)
Pre-Birth to Three DVD: The Importance of the Early Years for iPod (56.3 MB)
Video image of Robin Balbernie
Video: Robin Balbernie: Importance of the early years
Robin Balbernie, Consultant Child and Adolescent Psychotherapist at Gloucestershire CAMHS, discusses the importance of the early years.

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Robin Balbernie: Importance of the early years (64 MB)
Robin Balbernie: Importance of the early years for iPod (11.4 MB)
Video image of Detective Chief Superintendent John Carnochan
Video: Detective Chief Superintendent John Carnochan
John Carnochan, head of Strathclyde Police's Violence Reduction Unit, talks about the importance of the early years.

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Detective Chief Superintendent John Carnochan (165.7 MB)
Detective Chief Superintendent John Carnochan for iPod (29.6 MB)
Video image of Professor Vivette Glover
Video: Professor Vivette Glover: Importance of the early years
Vivette Glover MA, PhD, DSc is Professor in Perinatal Psychobiology, Imperial College London and Honorary Senior Lecturer, Institute of Psychiatry, King's College, London. She discusses the importance of the early years.

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Professor Vivette Glover: Importance of the early years (60.2 MB)
Professor Vivette Glover: Importance of the early years for iPod (10.8 MB)
Video image of Doctor Maria Robinson
Video: Doctor Maria Robinson: Importance of the early years
Maria Robinson, lecturer, counsellor, trainer and advisor in early years development, talks about the importance of the early years.

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Doctor Maria Robinson: Importance of the early years (40.6 MB)
Doctor Maria Robinson: Importance of the early years for iPod (7.2 MB)
Video image of Doctor Suzanne Zeedyk
Video: Doctor Suzanne Zeedyk: Brain development
Suzanne Zeedyk, Senior Lecturer in Developmental Psychology at Dundee University, talks about brain development in babies and how it is affected by relationships.

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Doctor Suzanne Zeedyk: Brain development (123.3 MB)
Doctor Suzanne Zeedyk: Brain development for iPod (22 MB)

Related documents

Other websites

  • Neuroscience for Kids

    This website explains early brain development with useful diagrams.

  • Baby Brain Map

    This interactive resource tests your knowledge of the importance of early brain development.

  • Center on the Developing Child

    This Harvard University centre has produced a body of evidence on the importance of the early years.

  • National Scientific Council on the Developing Child

    An initiative of the Center for the Developing Child, its aim is to use the science of early childhood and brain development to influence policy decision-making. It produces documents written in clear language.

  • Violence Reduction Unit

    The unit works with partner agencies, services - including education, health and community groups - and others to achieve long-term societal and attitudinal change.