The project focused on the experiences and perspectives of diverse families and service providers on support for early childhood development in Ealing borough in London.
Key Aims
Key aims of this research included unpacking how local families understand early childhood development, and identifying ways in which children and families are already supported, and can be better supported to ensure all children have the best start in life.
Research questions:
- How do families from different communities and groups across Ealing understand early childhood development? How does this affect caregiving and service seeking?
- How do families with young children, including from underserved communities, experience and feel about public services? What does or does not work for them, and what do they prioritise/what would they like to see?
- What are the enabling factors and conditions – and barriers – to the flourishing of young children and their families in Ealing? What does this look like in formal (e.g. public services) as well as informal (e.g. home life, familial/social networks) contexts?
- How can public services and community groups better support the flourishing of young children and their families in Ealing? What do they already do well, and what can be improved and further supported?
Methods
This was a qualitative research study. Qualitative approaches enable researchers to gain deeper understanding of people’s lived experiences and perspectives through methods which are more open-ended than surveys, or other forms of number-based research approaches. This approach allowed for unexpected insights, nuances, complexity and connections to emerge, painting a rich picture of the local context. It revealed what participating families in Ealing really value, and what they have experienced in relation to caring for and raising young children in the borough.
What we found out
Findings revealed the value Ealing families place on parental wellbeing, a safe and adequate home, children’s play and social interaction, and experiences outside the home. Key assets enabling early childhood development valued by parents/carers included activities, resources and support at children centres and libraries, parks and playgrounds, family and peer support, and community organisations. Connection with other parents/carers was particularly valued as this helped alleviate social isolation and enabled helpful information sharing. Trusted community organisations could provide holistic, locally-based support, and help navigating the complex formal service and support landscape.
Despite a context of constrained resources, the results highlight strategic opportunities to strengthen support for early child development at the local level in Ealing borough.
Opportunities to enhance services include:
- Enhance coordination and integration of services that encompass the ‘early years system’ in Ealing to improve holistic and timely support
- Expand availability and improve provision of accessible information and communication
- Embed a strongly relational, caring and empathetic approach at every level
- Enrich diversity and cultural competence in services
- Empower and further build partnership with community organisations and private nurseries
- Enable social connections and sharing between parents/carers
- Engage diverse families for feedback, dialogue and co-production, and meet them where they are
- Ensure family support for housing and other basic needs to reduce sources of stress and ensure a healthy nurturing environment
- Ensure early identification and support for families with children with additional needs and other complex challenges
- Increase awareness of the importance of responsive relationships between caregivers and children and the home learning environment for healthy development
Key contacts
