Study finds gap in creative provision for youngest children

A longitudinal research programme has identified a provision gap of creative activities for children under three years of age.

The finding is part of interim results from Talent 25, a long-term study programme set to stretch over 25 years, released as the research enters its fifth year of work.

Led by researchers at Leicester’s De Monfort University and supported by Arts Council England (ACE), the study is following the lives of babies from 400 families located across Leicester from birth to their 25th birthdays. 

It aims to identify the interventions needed to increase creative opportunities for young people while working to ensure the next generation is creatively and culturally engaged. 

According to a blog post shared on ACE’s website, early findings from the study include recognition that there is currently a “provision gap” for the very youngest children, with most existing creative opportunities aimed at those above three years old.

The first years of the programme have given young children and their parents the opportunity to participate in free cultural and creative activities such as workshops exploring music, stories, messy play, movement and other creative activities, with many designed so that they can be replicated at home.

Participants have also been attending activities and events delivered by libraries and national portfolio organisations (NPOs), advertised via a targeted app used by the families.

In the blog post, ACE’s director of engagement and audiences, Rebecca Blackman, says that five years on, families involved “speak powerfully of the impact this has had not only on the creative and cultural development of their children but also on their own lives”.

Blackman added that the families reported a reduction in loneliness, particularly during the pandemic, and said they had become more aware of the creative pathways that could be available to their children as they grow up.

Further findings

ACE’s blogpost adds that a common barrier to access is simply not being aware of cultural opportunities in their area, with participants saying the programme has expanded their knowledge of what opportunities are available to them locally.

Other early findings include the need for activities to be targeted, affordable, local, relevant and fun. The blog post goes on to say that they should be child-centred, drawing on the rich cultural backgrounds, unique artistry and playfulness that young children offer. 

The reports adds that people working in early years settings need high-quality professional development and support to facilitate the best possible cultural start in life. The findings also suggest that cross-sector partnerships are vital, with collaboration between health professionals, educators and creative practitioners required to create conditions for children to thrive.

Looking ahead

Blackman added that the next years of the study are already shaping how ACE works with its partners across the sector.

With the next part of the programme set to see the oldest children involved reach school age, the researchers are working with teachers and parents to explore how early culture and creative interventions help children to start school “ready to learn” which, Blackman highlights, is a key priority for government.  

“For us, Talent 25 represents an investment in the future – not just for those children taking part in the study but for all those whose lives will be enriched by what the research teaches us and the change it inspires,” Blackman wrote. 

“The findings will help us to make sure that every child and young person – including those not yet born – can participate in creativity and culture, fulfil their skills and potential, and lead happy and fulfilled lives.”