The SERA Early Years Network (EYN) engages with a mix of researchers, practitioners and policy makers at local and national level. The planned expansion of Early Learning and Childcare (ELC) in Scotland, which is carving out a new sector identity as well as linking firmly to early primary education, frames the EYN's work to benefit children aged 0-8 years, their families and the professionals who work with them. Annual consultation with varied participants has ensured a coconstruction of recent programmes of events which has prioritised applied research into pedagogy, transitions, professional identity and national and international assessment dilemmas. ELC settings are being tasked not only with the care and wellbeing of some of the youngest children, but to do so under very challenging circumstances. There continues to be great uncertainty around COVID-19: questions around space and capacity, play environments, parental/family/carer involvement and the very real possibility of future partial and total lockdowns. Practice varies across regions and sectors and the longer-term impact on children, families and educators is unknown. Future research is required and the EYN has a role in bringing together the latest research to begin to build a national picture of how this is affecting younger children now and in the future.