Centre for Research in Early Childhood
Through our research, consultancy work, postgraduate degrees and training & development programmes, CREC has been working to improve Early Years provision for over 25 years.
Our Services
Research Projects
With more than 25 years experience in the field, we aim to inform, develop and improve the quality of early childhood provision and generate knowledge which has applications for policy and practice.
Learning Partnerships, Consultancy & Evaluations
We provide support to evaluate effectiveness and impact, and to plan and implement change, develop policy or devise a completely new strategy.
Conferences & Keynotes
We speak at EY events across the UK, hosted by universities, professional bodies, local authorities, schools and PVI groups. We also host the BECERA and EECERA Conferences.
MA in Education
Our three-year part-time MA is designed to support and develop highly reflective early years practitioner researchers who can improve outcomes for children and families through their practice.
Initial Teacher Training
Our core aim is to help trainees become confident, knowledgeable and highly employable teachers with a passion for working with young children, to give them the best starting point in life.
EEL 10 Dimensions of Quality
CREC are currently looking for a number of early years settings to join with them over the next academic year as we walk them through an action cycle of self-evaluation and quality improvement.
BECERA 2027 | 16 Feb
Thursday 19 November 2026
Online, 12:30 - 13:00
BECERA Conference 2027
Tuesday 16 February 2027
the Studio, B’ham, 09.00-17.30
Our Community & Partnerships
At CREC, we firmly believe in working collaboratively with our research community, other EY organisations and individuals to collectively support, inform, and develop the sector and individuals who strive for and work towards improving lives and prospects of children and their families.