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Areas of development: nought to three years

Children's early development has often been discussed in relation to children's Physical, Intellectual, Language, Emotional and Social development, often referred to as PILES. In the Birth to Three Matters framework, babies and young children are described in four, rather than five, aspects - as Strong, Competent Learners, Skilful Communicators and Healthy Children. They are also described in four broad areas of development.

In the Birth to Three Matters framework, babies and young children are described in four, rather than five, aspects - as Strong, Competent Learners, Skilful Communicators and Healthy Children. They are also described in four broad areas of development.

When we look at each of the headings, it is evident that young children are seen as active in their own development. The following descriptions give an indication of what children in each of these broad developmental areas may be like:

Nought to eight months old: Heads-up, lookers and communicators

In this first broad area of development, young babies:

* relate to people, make eye contact and begin to smile

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