Research & Innovation: Empowering Toddler Voice
At Edgington Early Learning Co, we believe that high-quality practice is built on a foundation of evidence. We are currently spearheading a research project that seeks to bridge the gap between policy and practice, specifically focusing on how toddlers aged 18–36 months express their agency through non-verbal communication.
Why This Research Matters
Current research often misinterprets non-verbal cues from toddlers as "disruptive" or "unimportant." Our study challenges this view, recognising that body language, facial expressions, and sensory interactions are a toddler's primary language. By failing to value these communications, we limit a child’s right to participate in their own learning. Our research aims to provide practitioners with the frameworks they need to translate these cues into meaningful, child-led play, ensuring every toddler is seen, heard, and understood.
Our Approach: Capturing Authentic Lived Experience
We use a triangulated research methodology to ensure our findings are robust, ethical, and grounded in the daily reality of nursery life:
- Immersive Video Analysis: Using a 360-degree camera to capture the full scope of interactions without disrupting play.
- Real-Time Observation Tracking: Structured, non-participant observation to ensure context is never lost.
- Reflexive Journaling: A rigorous process that forces us to challenge our own "adult-centric" biases, ensuring the research reflects the child's perspective—not just the researcher's interpretation.
Want to Get Involved?
We are currently inviting nursery settings to partner with us on this important project. We are looking for partners who are passionate about evidence-based practice and committed to upholding children's rights under the UNCRC.
What the Partnership Looks Like:
We want this research to work around your nursery schedule, not against it. The process is collaborative and non-intrusive:
- Informal Discovery Meeting: An initial chat to introduce the research and ensure it aligns with your nursery’s ethos.
- Stakeholder Briefing: A meeting for parents and staff to answer questions and ensure full informed consent. While all parents may attend, the sample size will be around 5-10 children.
- The Observation Phase: Three 45-minute sessions observing natural, outdoor, self-directed play. Our researcher remains a non-participant observer behind a window, ensuring no disruption to your daily routine.
How We Compensate Your Time
We deeply value the time of our participants and partners. Your contribution is vital, and we ensure that commitment is rewarded, regardless of whether you complete the study or withdraw your consent midway:
- For Parents/Guardians: A £20 voucher per child for their participation.
- For the Children: Every child participant will receive our newest Sensory Tray Kit to support their ongoing exploration.
- For the Nursery: A free full-day training session (on-site or remote) and a resource pack including 3 sets of our most recent books, main character plushies, and story-telling props.
Timeline
We are currently in the process of identifying potential nursery locations. We do not have a fixed start date; instead, we work closely with each individual setting to develop a bespoke timeline that fits your staff’s capacity and the children’s routine.
Express Your Interest
Are you a setting that prioritises child agency and reflective practice? We would love to start a conversation about how we can collaborate.