Foundations for learning

We are looking for proposals that will improve understanding about language, learning and development in early childhood (from birth to around eight years of age) addressing where possible the implications for policy and practice.

We are particularly interested in proposals that meet one or more of the following criteria:

• Examine critically and rigorously the effects of the home environment, parental involvement, family learning programmes, and related contexts on young children’s learning, and their impact on school readiness; emergent language, literacy, numeracy and social competence; and subsequent educational, social and behavioural outcomes.
• Address the specific needs of different groups of children who might be considered disadvantaged - or at risk - in terms of their cognitive, communicative or language skills and their social or behavioural development.
• Consider the wider research evidence in this area and develop fully evaluated pilot interventions.

Interested in applying?

For information about submitting an application see our how to apply page.