The Vice-Chancellor of De Montfort University Leicester (DMU) has met with Catherine, Princess of Wales during the launch of a major new guide aimed at transforming understanding of early childhood development. 

Professor Katie Normington attended an event at University of East London where Her Royal Highness unveiled Foundations for Life: A Guide to Social and Emotional Development, created by The Royal Foundation Centre for Early Childhood. The guide has been designed to strengthen understanding across the early years sector of the importance of social and emotional development in babies and young children.  

The event brought together universities and sector leaders from across the UK, with institutions pledging to embed the guide’s recommendations into education and training for those working with children and families. 

Professor Normington said: “DMU is proud to support the recommendations set out in Foundations for Life. The evidence is increasingly clear that social and emotional development in the earliest years of life has a profound impact on wellbeing, learning and opportunity throughout childhood and beyond.” 

While attending the launch, Professor Normington spoke with the Princess of Wales about Talent 25, DMU’s pioneering long-term research project exploring the impact creativity and cultural engagement can have on children from infancy through to adulthood. 

Led by Professor Bertha Ochieng, Professor of Integrated Health and Social Care at DMU, Talent 25, launched in 2019 in partnership with Arts Council England, is following children over a 25-year period to better understand how early access to arts and creative activity shapes confidence, wellbeing, development and future opportunities.  

It works with families across Leicester to provide access to creative activities including music, dance, storytelling and arts workshops, particularly in communities where access to arts and culture has traditionally been limited. 

Early findings from the project suggest that participation in creative activities during the early years can have significant benefits not only for children, but also for parents and families, improving wellbeing, confidence and social connection.  

Professor Normington said: “What we are seeing through Talent 25 strongly reflects the principles set out in Foundations For Life. Though it is an ambitious, long-term project, the findings are already demonstrating the extraordinary value creativity and cultural engagement can have in helping children build confidence, communication and emotional resilience from a very young age, while also strengthening wellbeing and connection for parents and families.” 

Posted on Thursday 7 May 2026