Princess of Wales launches new Early Years project

The Princess of Wales has launched a new Early Years project in the form of a film series on brain science for social and emotional growth.

As part of her Early Years focus, Catherine and the Royal Foundation have released a series of short films on brain science and the effects of interactions on the social and emotional development of babies and young children.

The royal took a close role in the production of the six films that can be viewed on YouTube. Her Royal Highness spent time with early years practitioners and two of the illustrators in June during a creative workshop.

The initiative builds on the Royal Foundation Centre for Early Childhood’s Shaping Us Framework. It is designed for those who work with babies, children and families to help them have better, consistent conversations with parents and caretakers.

The Centre is also working with charities, universities and professional bodies to train people around the United Kingdom.

“This latest undertaking from The Centre for Early Childhood compliments its wider work on social and emotional development, including two pilot projects with health visitors (ADBB) and early educators (Happy Little Minds), as well as the work of the Business Taskforce for Early Childhood which includes work to support baby banks, early years settings and parents in the workplace,” Kensington Palace said.

Regarding the new animated film series, the Princess said: “Early childhood has been recognised as the golden opportunity to build strong foundations for future life health and happiness.

“The new animated films from The Centre of Early Childhood showcase how adults can create nurturing, loving interactions with children, helping to foster social and emotional development during their earliest years. 

 “These core social and emotional skills are essential in forming healthy relationships and are fundamental building blocks that can carry us through life.

“That is why we want to raise the awareness of, and celebrate, the extraordinary value of everyday moments of connection which matter more than ever in a rapidly changing world. 

  “Early childhood offers a sacred opportunity to transform our societies for the better, and by nurturing these skills in our babies and children, we will be raising a younger generation better equipped to face the future.”

Twenty-five organisations have committed to using the videos in their work, many of which the Princess is patron of, like Action for Children, The UNICEF UK Baby Friendly Initiative, Place2Be and Norland College. The videos, all featuring different themes, are available in English, Welsh and British Sign Language.

The introductory film was illustrated by Maggie Stephenson, who had previously worked with The Centre for Early Childhood in developing the Shaping Us Framework. It was also animated by &Orange and produced by Making Pictures.