Best start in early life (early years)
“The early years – from pre-birth until starting school – is a critical period in terms of a child's development, as they form bonds with their parents, develop language skills and other cognitive functions, and establish behavioural patterns” (Early Intervention Foundation, 2023).
The best start in life and health involves providing a foundation of positive experiences, early support, and good health practices during pregnancy and early childhood. This includes preparing for parenthood, ensuring a healthy pregnancy with strong relationships, and fostering good early relationships and home learning (National Health Service [NHS]). It also involves physical and mental health support, good nutrition, early education, and access to high-quality childcare.
Influential factors impacting early childhood development
The Research Fellow in Quantitative and Mixed-Methods, Dr Chloe Ryder, supervised a Coventry HDRC volunteer research placement, which took place between November 2025 to January 2026. Working closely with the Children’s Services team at Coventry City Council, the research placement volunteer used existing quantitative data held in the data warehouse to conduct a quantitative research project. This project explored the influential factors which impact early childhood development (birth to 2-years), and gender differences for children reaching a ‘good level of development’. This research project was written up for knowledge mobilisation and dissemination in two ways; a traditional written report, and presentation slides meaning the Children’s Services team can share findings with key stakeholder partners. The volunteer Awatif Mohamad presented her work as part of our Coventry HDRC Webinar - Influential factors and gender differences in child development in Coventry.
Evaluation of Family Hub Vaccination Clinics
Working with the Public Health Team, Coventry Family Hubs and Chase Medical Centre, the Research Fellow in Quantitative and Mixed-Methods is conducting an evaluation of the Family Hub Vaccination Clinics in Coventry. This quantitative evaluation uses psychological theory to underpin the quantitative survey, exploring parents’ perceptions, knowledge, understanding and attitudes of vaccinations including the 4-in-1 preschool booster (DTaP) - protective against serious illnesses such as polio and tetanus and MMR second dose vaccination for their children. Whilst exploring the reasons for why parents are attending the Family Hub Vaccination Clinics, the evaluation also looks at influential factors for vaccination uptake including knowledge on vaccinations and the source of knowledge (i.e. media compared to GP or nurses). All surveys are completed in clinics and are due to be analysed by the HDRC Research Fellow in Quantitative and Mixed-Methods. The findings of this evaluation will provide insight to parental perceptions and attitudes to vaccinations in Coventry, which will influence vaccination clinic practice in the future.