Early education key to nuturing young minds

Every parent wants to ensure their child has the best start in life so that they are set for a future full of potential. Whilst many mums and dads exert a lot of effort and expense into educating their children from a young age, even the simplest of activities can have an impact on a child’s future.

The majority of parents are doing just that: almost four in five (78%) read or look at books with their children at least once a day, and 64% say they learn poems, songs and nursery rhymes with their children on a daily basis. These activities have a measurable impact on a child’s communication, language and literacy skills and has a lasting impact on their future prospects. In fact, children with poor vocabulary at the age of 5 are twice as likely to be unemployed in their 30s.

Statistics from The Department for Education shows that providing an early education to disadvantaged children from the age of two has a positive impact on their speaking ability – and learning whilst at home contributes to this.

Aston spoke to Dr Elizabeth Kilbey, child psychologist who has featured on “The Secret Life of 4, 5 & 6 Years Olds” to discuss how the Department for Education’s Hungry Little Minds campaign can help aide and assist parents with young children (0 to 5) with helpful tips and advice on supporting their language, communication and speech development right from birth and offer her tips on how to support and nurture young children from such an early age.