It’s too Loud in here to Learn… The Hidden Impact of Noise in Early Years Settings

You don’t need to look far to hear it. The hum of voices, the clatter of play, the constant overlap of sound that defines an early years environment.

It feels familiar, even positive, but what if that soundscape is shaping how children learn? For babies and toddlers, noise is more than the background. It is something they must actively work through to process language, focus attention, and stay regulated.

This blog written by PhD student Conor Bathgate explores what “noise” means in early years settings, what the research suggests about its impact, and why it deserves closer attention in everyday practice.