A child’s brain develops more than at any other time during the first five years of life and the experiences that a child has during this time shapes their brain development. The basis of a child’s social behaviour, capacity to learn, ability to problem solve, communication skills and motivation skills develop during these early years. Without appropriate age related stimuli and loving care development will be inhibited.

Children develop brain connectors through positive experiences with their parents and carers. Caring, nurturing relationships with adults who provide quality stimulation and interaction give a child the opportunity to explore the world with confidence and in safety. Conversely when the quality of care, stimulation and learning is deficient a child’s development may well be seriously affected.

Good quality care and education includes the development of positive partnerships between parents and educators, the provision of a curriculum which includes exploring styles of learning through purposeful play and ensuring high quality training for educators.

It is a child’s right to have the best start in life that a family, community and education system can provide. Investing in early years is an investment in the future, with due care and appropriate nurturing the risk of failure, disaffection in adults will hopefully be significantly reduced.

Susan trained as a primary school teacher and during her career taught key stages one and two, with specialism in early years. She began volunteering for PTN in 1993, helping to raise funds for Ghamrang school in mid-west Nepal. Her commitment has endured for twenty-five years during which time she has organised events, run a child sponsorship scheme and contributed to a number of education initiatives.