Little Sparks, Big Starts: free children's brain development resources
Little Sparks, Big Starts is a free collection of evidence-informed educational resources about babies' and children's brain development from conception to age five. Developed by Kindred² with expert partners, the programme provides resources for schools, early years educators, health visiting teams and parents and carers.
The resources explain how children's brains develop, how experiences and relationships shape brain connections, and why everyday interactions such as talking, playing and responding to children matter. They also explore topics including neuroplasticity, resilience, stress and the role of caregivers.
Our aim is to make the science of early development understandable and useful, so that more people know why the first five years matter and how they can help children get the best possible start.
Why does early brain development matter?
From conception to age five, a child’s brain develops faster than at any other stage of life, doubling in size in the first year alone.
During these early years, everyday experiences and relationships help build and strengthen the neural connections that support learning, communication, emotional development and wellbeing. By the time children start school, around 40% of the attainment gap seen later in childhood is already in place.
But early experiences do not determine a child’s future. The brain remains capable of change throughout life, and supportive relationships, new experiences and opportunities to learn can continue to strengthen development and resilience.
Despite how important these early years are, only 1 in 4 people recognise their significance.
The good news is that supporting healthy brain development does not require complicated activities. It is the simple, everyday moments that matter most: making eye contact, talking, playing, responding and spending time together.
These little sparks can give children a big start in life.
Little Sparks, Big Starts for....
Schools
Free KS2 and KS3 brain development lesson plans for pupils aged 7–14, with PowerPoints, curriculum links, learning outcomes and teacher notes.
Health Visiting teams
Free baby brain development e-learning for health visiting teams and frontline children's services, plus a practical web-based resource for parents and carers.
Early Years Educators
Free early brain development training for nursery practitioners, childminders, apprentices, managers and tutors, available as self-led learning or ready-made classroom lessons.
Parents and carers
Free, accessible resources explaining how babies' and young children's brains develop during the first five years and how everyday interactions can support development.
Research and further learning
Explore research and trusted resources about early brain development, neuroplasticity, relationships, stress, resilience and the role of caregivers.
Frequently asked questions
What is Little Sparks, Big Starts?
Little Sparks, Big Starts is a free educational programme from Kindred Squared that helps people understand early brain development and the role that experiences, relationships and caregivers play during the first five years of life.
Who are the Little Sparks, Big Starts resources for?
There are resources for primary and secondary schools, early years educators, health visiting teams, parents and carers. Each set of resources explains early brain development in a way that is appropriate to that audience.
Are the Little Sparks, Big Starts resources free?
Yes. The Little Sparks, Big Starts educational resources and training are free to access.
What topics does Little Sparks, Big Starts cover?
The resources cover how the brain develops, neural connections, neuroplasticity, early experiences, relationships, caregivers, stress, resilience and practical ways adults can support babies' and young children's development.
Is a child's future determined by their first five years?
No. The early years are an important period of development, but they do not determine a child's future. Neuroplasticity means the brain continues to adapt and change throughout life.
