Neuroscience is an exciting field of research that has huge significance to anyone who supports babies or young children. This course is designed to give learners a gentle introduction to the subject, and to share with them some of the remarkable insights it has given us in terms of how the infant brain develops, and how this is affected by a range of external influences.

For example, advances in technology mean we can now see the damaging effects that stress, trauma and a lack of adult care and affection can have on the developing structures of the brain and how these can detrimentally affect learning and behaviour. Conversely, we can also see the powerful and positive effects of affectionate and responsive caregiver relationships and of nurturing care environments.

The course also explores the topic of self-regulation in early years. These are a critical set of skills that help children to remain calm, attentive and able to deal with powerful emotions such as fear, anger and sadness. Children are not born with these skills; they develop them over time when they are supported to understand their feelings and actions by caring and responsive adults.

As well as explaining the theory behind the science, this course will provide learners with practical advice in terms of how to promote healthy brain development in the critical first seven years of life, and how they can support children to develop those vital self-regulation skills.