the MAGIC R of
Inklings is... where evidence meets everyday life, making a lasting impact on babies, families and their future.
Our Vision for R
We envision a world where Inklings is the internationally recognised foundation for communication and connection between babies and young children, and their caregivers.
As the first point of support for caregivers, babies/young children benefit from Inklings, regardless of where they live or their circumstances. This ensures that high-quality, research-informed support is accessible to all.
From family homes and early learning centres to clinics and community centres, Inklings brings people together, supporting communication and connection from the very beginning.
Inklings empowers caregivers and their communities (the village) who share in the care of babies and very young children, ensuring the village has the tools they need to nurture and support each baby’s development.
Every program in the Inklings suite is developed through high quality research and grounded in a living, evolving body of evidence. As research advances, Inklings adapts, translating the latest knowledge into practical, relevant tools and resources for families, educators, health professionals, and policy makers. This ensures that Inklings remains at the forefront of early childhood development, bridging the gap between science and real-life care.
Guiding Principles
Centred on Children, Families, and Connection
Inklings places babies and families at the heart of its work, recognising each baby as a unique individual. It nurtures strong, meaningful bonds between babies and caregivers, and between families and their communities - fostering a deep sense of connection, belonging, and shared growth
Relational and Responsive Practice
Inklings programs are delivered through collaborative partnerships that are non-directive, reflective, and curious. This approach creates an environment that is accepting, non-judgemental, strengths-based, neuro-affirming, and empathetic. At the heart of this practice is the promotion of sensitive caregiver interactions - observing, interpreting, and responding to a baby’s cues; creating space and matching the baby’s pace; and allowing the baby to take the lead in connection and communication.
Universal Access and Inclusion
Inklings ensures access is equitable and meaningful — addressing physical, cultural, geographical, linguistic, and financial barriers — to reach those who need it most.
Research and Evidence
Inklings is founded on and connected to evolving evidence. Continuous improvement embedded in its practices to ensure responsiveness, relevance, and impact over time.
Ecological Approach
Inklings programs bridge the broader ecosystem — including babies, caregivers, practitioners, clinicians, early childhood educators, and policy makers. Inklings supports babies within the context of their family and community (‘the village’), empowering all members of the village to nurture and support babies and very young children.
Impact and Outcomes
Inklings creates impact across short-, medium-, and longterm horizons — from building knowledge and confidence to strengthening communication between babies and caregivers. These outcomes guide decisions about growth, reach and program development.
