July 14, 2026 · Archives of disease in childhood · DOI: 10.1136/archdischild-2025-329529

Developmental outcomes in 4-year-old children born in the first COVID-19 lockdown in England: preliminary findings from the Born In COVID Year - Core Lockdown Effects (BICYCLE) study

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The study aimed to assess the developmental outcomes of 4-year-old children born during the first COVID-19 lockdown in England, particularly focusing on language, executive function, motor skills, and non-verbal reasoning. Findings indicated that while some language skills were above normative expectations, caregiver-reported executive function was notably lower, suggesting potential educational vulnerabilities and the need for targeted support in classrooms. The results highlight the impact of limited social exposure during a critical developmental period and emphasize the importance of responsive educational policies.

Nicola Botting, Chelo Del Rosario, Jane Flynn, Stian Reimers, Catherine Davies, Nayeli Gonzalez-Gomez, Alexandra Hendry, Elisabeth Hill, Michelle McGillion, Becky Moss, Laura Shapiro, Lucy A Henry

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