This guidance supports researchers and Early Years professionals to work together in developing research ideas, projects and funding applications. It provides a practical framework for identifying shared priorities, building partnerships and developing research that is both academically robust and relevant to practice.
We believe the most impactful research is developed with, rather than for, practitioners. Early Years professionals bring valuable knowledge of the realities of supporting babies, young children and families, helping researchers to shape meaningful questions and design studies that can make a genuine difference to practice.
Our guidance supports researchers and practitioners through six key stages:
Research development is rarely a linear process. Decisions made at one stage may influence later stages, and researchers may need to revisit earlier steps as projects evolve.
