Centre for Research in Early Childhood (CREC)

CREC is a values led organisation, dedicated to improving outcomes for all young children, particularly those facing disadvantages.​

Our mission

“We believe that positive early childhood experiences are foundational to a child’s future. We are dedicated to supporting the sector in its commitment to improving long-term outcomes for all children. Changing children's lives involves empowering educators, families and communities and improving their experiences. We are committed to working regionally, nationally and internationally to further this important civic (and political) work through our practice-led research.”​

Our values

The way we work, who we work with, and the things we work on, are all shaped and guided by our values.

We passionately believe in the following things:

·    Distributed power and democratic processes​

·    Social justice and equity​

·    Holistic child development​

·    Inclusive and affirmative practices​

·    Human (and child) rights-based practices​

·    Ethical and sustainable practices

Our work

CREC is an internationally recognised leader in early childhood education delivering a wide range of research projects, professional development courses, consultancy, conferences, networking links and publication opportunities for the early childhood sector.

We believe ourselves to be a lively, challenging, developmental and inspiring organisation committed to a social justice agenda of promoting inclusive, democratic and professionally led early childhood education. We firmly believe this enables all children, and those who educate them, to flourish and realise their unique capacities. Wherever possible we work in partnership, be that with nurseries, councils, national agencies, government bodies, universities or other like minded organisations, to develop learning communities of evidence-based practice; in this way, not only can we deliver better outcomes for children, but we can build sustainable, ethical systems in the process .

To find out more about what we do please explore our website or please get in touch to arrange a conversation.

Our history

Initially located on university campus in Worcester, CREC relocated to the St Thomas Children’s Centre in central Birmingham in 2000 at the invitation of Professor Tim Brighouse, who was Chief Education Officer (CEO) for Birmingham at that time. The relocation of our Centre from a university campus to an inner city children’s centre, symbolised our commitment to a fusion of practice-based research, knowedge generation and knowledge transfer. The city wished to benefit from our close commitment to social inclusion, high levels of scholarship, multi-professional working and the development of high quality early education for all, led by a professionalised workforce. CREC in return benefited from being immersed in practice rather than observing it from afar. This mutually advantageous strategic relationship bewtween CREC and Birmingham City council continues to this day.

Soon after this relocation, CREC became a truly independent organisation working with but not for local universities,  quickly becoming a flagship for quality, academic scholarship, inclusion and professionalism in early childhood education. This reputation developed locally, nationally and internationally, through CREC‘s ability to create a close alignment of research, theory, practice and policy which infuses our ethical and rights based work. CREC has a deep commitment to ensuring young children’s right to voice and participation are realised and promotes this democratic mission in all aspects of its work.

Our operating model

To support our mission CREC, acts as an umbrella vehicle to other like-minded organisations and related groups which share the same values. The key components of CREC are set out below but for a more comprehensive view please explore the ‘Community and Partnerships’ tab in the main menu.

Amber Publications and Training Ltd, t/a CREC

The limited company under which all evaluation, consultancy, CPD and conferences are managed. Full details available via Companies House.

CREC in Birmingham Charitable Trust

Research and advocacy sits under the remit of the charity (Reg. No. 1121861) which has a published objective to: PROMOTE AND CARRY OUT FOR PUBLIC BENEFIT, RESEARCH INTO ISSUES RELEVANT TO EARLY CHILDHOOD PROVISION.

British Early Childhood Education Research Association (BECERA)

To celebrate and promote the importance of practitioner research, each year in February we host a conference under the BECERA banner, and welcome talks and posters on a topical theme. More information can be found here.

European Early Childhood Education Research Association (EECERA)

EECERA is an independent membership association with its own constitution and governed by a Board of Trustees. CREC is contracted to provide the association with a professional secretariat as well as to manage its membership service, the administration of its academic journal, and the running of its annual conference. For more details about the work of EECERA please visit their website.