A series of evidence reviews exploring the challenges faced by young children and their families and setting out policy recommendations for an ambitious early years strategy.

Our evidence reviews and accompanying commentary will be useful for anyone with an interest in early childhood, including those working in central government, statutory agencies, devolved administrations and local authorities. The series will also be relevant to social investors and practice leaders in the public, private and voluntary sectors, including those working in early years provision and childcare, public health, schools, children’s social services, GPs and health professionals.

The series consists of six evidence reviews and supporting roundtables, webinars and parent engagement sessions, culminating in a final report. Each review explores the evidence on a different dimension of early childhood and identifies key questions for research and policy.

• How are the lives of families with young children changing?
• Protecting children at risk of abuse and neglect
• Changing patterns of poverty in early childhood
• The role of early childhood education and care in shaping life chances
• Are young children healthier than they were two decades ago?
• Parents and the home
• Bringing up the next generation

Bringing up the next generation: from research to policy, the final report of the series, provides an accessible account of how the experience of early childhood has changed over the last 20 years. It identifies four key goals that should underpin an early years strategy and a series of recommendations for a more holistic and joined up approach to early years policy and services. We will continue to publish additional commentary and to work with stakeholders across research, policy and practice to build momentum for change.