Journal of Early Childhood Research 11(3) 292–311 © The Author(s) 2013 Reprints and permissions: sagepub.co.uk/journalsPermissions.nav DOI: 10.1177/1476718X13492936 ecr.sagepub.com Development of social relationships, interactions and behaviours in early education settings Alison Kington University of Worcester, UK Peter Gates University of Nottingham, UK Pam Sammons University of Oxford, UK Abstract Recent research and policy regarding the advantages of early years provision has focused largely on the enhancement and development of cognitive skills for preschoolers. This study, based in the United Kingdom, focuses on a range of cognitive and social skills and identifies beneficial characteristics of a government pilot scheme for 2-year-olds in areas of social disadvantage. Data were collected from nursery managers and parents across six early years settings using a combination of qualitative and quantitative methods centred around in-depth observational techniques focused on children. Results indicate that in addition to the development of cognitive skills, children showed increased confidence and modes of communication and interaction and that these were associated with the varied activities and routines established within the early years settings. Some variations in terms of frequency and quality of interactions, activities and practice were identified in settings; however, interpersonal support for learning and development was consistent across settings. Keywords behaviour, early years, education and disadvantage, mixed methods, relationships, social interaction Introduction Recent research and policy regarding advantages of early years provision has focused largely on the enhancement and development of cognitive skills for preschoolers. However, studies of early Corresponding author: Alison Kington, Institute of Education, University of Worcester, St. John’s Campus, Henwick Grove, Worcester WR2 6AJ, UK. Email: a.kington@worc.ac.uk 492936ECR 11 3 10.1177/1476718X13492936Journal of Early Childhood ResearchKington et al. 13 Article by guest on April 5, 2016 ecr.sagepub.com Downloaded from