LJMU joins early years training pledge led by HRH The Princess of Wales

LJMU has joined education leaders from around the country in pledging to arm the next generation of early years professionals with a deep understanding of social and emotional development.

LJMU’s Vice-Chancellor Professor Mark Power was one of only three Vice-Chancellors who joined other higher and further education leaders, including Chief Executive of Universities UK Vivienne Stern, at the University of East London to meet with Her Royal Highness The Princess of Wales for the launch of a new evidence‑based educational guide designed for those working with babies, young children and their families.

Foundations for Life guide

Foundations for Life: A Guide to Social and Emotional Development has been developed by The Royal Foundation Centre for Early Childhood (established by The Princess of Wales) to strengthen understanding across the early years sector of why social and emotional development matters so profoundly – and how these skills begin to take shape from the very earliest months of life.

Grounded in science and practical insight, and developed with early childhood experts, professionals and practitioners, the guide highlights the vital role of loving, responsive relationships in shaping children’s lifelong health and wellbeing.

What signing the pledge means

LJMU and other education signatories of the pledge have committed to embedding this evidence‑based guide into education and training pathways, recognising the vital role universities and colleges play in shaping workforce capability, influencing practice across systems, and raising the status and value of the early years.

By making a collective public commitment to the new guidance, LJMU and other educational institutions agree to:

• Embed social and emotional development within curricula, workforce development, and professional training pathways
• Champion the earliest years as foundational to lifelong outcomes, ensuring this is reflected across our institutions and networks
• Translate evidence into action, strengthening the connection between research, education, and practice
• Elevate the early years workforce, recognising the expertise, value, and impact of those working directly with young children and families
• Strengthen cross-sector collaboration, working in partnership with health, education, and community systems to support children and families
• Advocate for sustained focus and investment in early childhood, recognising its long-term societal and economic benefits.

Next steps

LJMU will continue to work with The Royal Foundation Centre for Early Childhood, alongside other education leaders, to embed this essential understanding into entry level training and ongoing professional development, in turn helping to create the conditions in which children can thrive.

LJMU’s School of Education

Find out more about the transformational work of the School of Education and its Early Childhood Studies provision.