How evidence-based practice has influenced work with children in their early years?

Evidence-based practice can be described as "a framework of decisions that are made from previous knowledge that are derived from previous research" (University of Westminster, 2008). It is influenced by objective evidence derived from research and allows practitioners to apply their knowledge to a situation that has been previously researched which allows them to make a well informed decision about future action(s).

My everyday practice is influenced by what I have found out or learnt previously either from college, media, previous working experiences, books, colleagues, etc and professional practice requires these findings and research should be kept up-to-date and practiced if applicable. Sometimes, we need to be sure of what we find out before taking action as it might not be real or true.

A example of how research has influenced work with children is The Effective Provision of Pre-School Education (EPPE) which is the first major European longitudinal study in the UK to focus on the effectiveness of early years education and a study of a national sample of young children's development (intellectual and social/behavioural) between ages 3-7. EPPE collected a wide range of information on more than 3000children, their parents, their home environment and the pre-school they attended. Its findings found that children who had attended early years provision were more likely to have better cognitive, social and behaviour skills when they started formal education than those who had no early years provision. EPPE also confirmed the value of early learning through 'play' especially from low-income families.

Key Elements of effective practice (KEEP) is another example. It emphasises that effective learning in children is dependent on secure relationships. Learning through play and forming secure relationships are both key elements to the EYFS.

When observation schedules and routines (formal and non-formal observation), reflective practice, are done, there is quality and accountability in the practice, staff may require training and review of procedures and/or policies in order to keep up to date with new evidence in the provision of health and educational provision (this may be evidence -based planning).