Evaluating Early Years Interventions: Insights and Lessons from a Decade of Research

Victoria Menzies, Durham University

Abstract

Drawing on 10 years of leading early years programme evaluations across England, this seminar will explore why rigorous evaluation matters in the Early Years. It will examine methodological approaches—including randomized controlled trials and mixed-method designs—and share insights from large-scale evaluations including Maths Champions, Parents and Children Together and Talking with Tales for Children.

The session will also discuss the challenges for evaluating programmes in real world early years settings which include measuring outcomes for preschool age group, navigating diverse early years contexts, securing engagement from disadvantaged families. Reflections will highlight the importance of balancing methodological rigor with practical feasibility and cost, understanding contextual variability, and co-design between evaluators, programme designers and practitioners. 

Biography

Vic Menzies is an Assistant Professor at Durham University’s School of Education. She specialises in the evaluation of educational interventions, with methodological expertise in randomised controlled trials, pilot studies, and mixed-method designs. Over the past 15 years, Victoria has led numerous large-scale evaluations of educational programmes across England more recently focusing on early years language and maths programmes. Her work, funded by organisations including the Education Endowment Foundation and Arts Council England, aims to generate robust evidence to improve outcomes for children, particularly those from disadvantaged backgrounds.

Joining Online
This event will be accessible via Microsoft Teams. If you would like to attend online, please contact ed.research@durham.ac.uk to request the Teams link.