Why is Early Years education important?

Early years is a vast career path that can be extremely rewarding. It is also hugely important and helps to shape children’s futures. Find out more about why early years education is so important, and how you can use our Early Childhood Studies degree can support you into a career in this area.

What is ‘Early Years’?

Early Years can be defined as the stage of life between 0 and 5 years old.

This period is crucial in a child's development, and early years care focuses on fostering their physical, emotional, social, and cognitive growth. Early years education can take place in a range of settings designed to support young children's development. 

Doireann Aburto Finn is an Early Childhood Studies graduate from BCU who now works as a Nursery Manager. She spoke to us about her role and why it’s so important.

Why is early years education so important?

Receiving the right care and education and support in the early years of life is crucial, as it lays the foundations for a child’s lifelong development.

In these early stages of life, the brain develops rapidly and children this young are influenced strongly by experiences, environment and communication.

Doireann said: “We are teaching the children here, and these first five years of learning are the most important and will stick with them for the rest of their life.” 

Early years care is vital because it supports the holistic development of children, setting them on a path toward healthy and positive lives. The experiences and relationships formed during this period have lasting effects on their cognitive, social, emotional, and physical well-being. 

What does an Early Years practitioner do?

Relationships play a huge role in early years care, and other than primary caregivers at home, children will also interact with practitioners in an educational setting such as a nursery.

Early years practitioners have the knowledge and training to be able to help children with a range of things, from cognitive development and preparing for further education, as well as looking after their wellbeing and physical development.

Our Early Childhood Studies degree allows you to be able to learn all of the skills needed to become a practitioner in this field. The course covers theoretical and practical aspects of early childhood, with a strong commitment to social justice and promoting equity.

The addition of ‘Graduate Practitioner Competencies’ from September 2024 means that if you study Early Childhood Studies with us you will have placements in each year of your degree and will be assessed on the competencies needed at graduate level.

Placements gives you hands-on experience in an early years environment. Raman and Breiana both undertook placements in a local nursery and shared their rewarding experience.

Whether you choose to go on to a PGCE in Primary and Early Years, pursue a career in early years, or explore one of many other avenues that this degree leads to, you have the opportunity to graduate with a secure knowledge of how theory informs practice and the ability to implement that in early years settings to give young children the best possible start in life.