Acurriculum-based approach is not appropriate for the under-threes, claims a new report from the Scottish Executive reviewing more than 30 years of research on early child development.
The report, Meeting the needs of children from birth to three: research evidence and implications for out-of-home provision, by Professor Colwyn Trevarthen of Edinburgh University and colleagues, says children learn through their relationships with other children and adults, from developing their communication and expressive skills and by finding things out by themselves and through play with others.
While there are 'no universal principles about childcare that apply in all circumstances', the report says, 'the huge development and progress of the first three years needs to be met by changing learning opportunities and types of interaction'.
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