Since the start of the pandemic, Alex Hendry has been working with Nayeli Gonzalez-Gomez and researchers from around the country via the Oxford Brookes Babylab to learn more about children’s development during COVID restrictions.
The resulting research showed there have been clear benefits for children who were able to access early childhood education and/or had a rich home learning environment during lockdowns. This was particularly notable in the area of executive function development – Alex Hendry’s field of expertise.
These findings continue to be shared widely with policymakers and other stakeholders. However, knowing families were in a unique position to support their children during this time, Alex was keen to do something that would have an immediate impact.
Together with Nayeli, she secured funding to engage directly with families and practitioners in the Oxford area. Their aim was to empower parents to support their children’s development via simple but enriching activities.