Abstract
The goal of this project was to investigate the impact
of the Covid-19 pandemic on children’s centres in
Bristol and how they responded to it. We wanted to
understand how the pandemic had affected their
ability to function as organisations, and the work they
do to support parents, children and families. Originally
known as Sure Start children’s centres, they work with
families to reduce inequalities in child developmental
outcomes, promote school readiness, and foster
parental aspirations, skills and family health.
Starting in September 2020, we conducted an in depth
study across the city, involving 60 interviews
with children’s centre leaders and staff, key service
providers and local experts with knowledge of the
city’s early years sector. Study participants were ideally
placed to shed light on how their work has changed
and on which services the centres have and have not
been able to provide. The project offers a distinctive
perspective on how the pandemic has negatively
impacted families, children and local communities.
of the Covid-19 pandemic on children’s centres in
Bristol and how they responded to it. We wanted to
understand how the pandemic had affected their
ability to function as organisations, and the work they
do to support parents, children and families. Originally
known as Sure Start children’s centres, they work with
families to reduce inequalities in child developmental
outcomes, promote school readiness, and foster
parental aspirations, skills and family health.
Starting in September 2020, we conducted an in depth
study across the city, involving 60 interviews
with children’s centre leaders and staff, key service
providers and local experts with knowledge of the
city’s early years sector. Study participants were ideally
placed to shed light on how their work has changed
and on which services the centres have and have not
been able to provide. The project offers a distinctive
perspective on how the pandemic has negatively
impacted families, children and local communities.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Publisher | BERA |
| Commissioning body | British Educational Research Association |
| Number of pages | 12 |
| Publication status | Accepted/In press - 20 Jul 2021 |
Research Groups and Themes
- SoE Centre for Psychological Approaches for Studying Education