Families and Early Years Museums, libraries and archives are uniquely placed to support families and early years children. They are based in the
community and offer accessible learning opportunities that particularly support inter-generational groups.
The influential Effective Provision of Pre-School Education (EPPE) research has given the UK a strong research base demonstrating the importance of the home learning environment and the role of the parent as a child's first and most effective teacher.
This research found it was what a parent actually did with their child that was the most important factor, overcoming any disadvantages such as social class or wealth.
The sector has a responsibility to support the widest range of young families and provide an enriched home learning environment through its resources, collections and staff expertise. MLA Action MLA is working with the DfES and the Sure Start Unit to develop and strengthen the place of museums, libraries and archives in the government's programme for families and children. Libraries have played a major part in the delivery of Sure Start and there is now a powerful base of more than 200 early years staff delivering Sure Start through libraries As part of Framework for the Future , MLA commissioned research investigating what families want from libraries. Serving Families Well supports libraries in exploring how they address the challenges of Every Child Matters and the creation of Children's Centres Museums have a powerful role in stimulating and supporting family learning. Many of them are re-creating themselves as family friendly environments where skilled interpretation of exhibits fosters inter-generational learning. Related Links:
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