The network represents 75 higher education providers of Early Childhood Studies Degrees throughout the UK. It says it aims to advocate for a unified voice and vision in Early Childhood education and policy and for ‘students [to] raise their hands and voices in support of early childhood.’
ECSDN co-vice chairs for policy, lobbying and advocacy Emma Twigg and Helen Simmons said, ‘We believe that now is the time for a collective effort to bring attention to the critical issues facing this sector. We hope that you will support the event and help to mobilise your students to get involved and lobby for early childhood.
‘The network are asking for students to write to their MPs to shine the spotlight on policy, sustainability and workforce issues with children and families at the centre of their letters or emails.
‘Get involved, get together and let’s make early childhood a sector to be heard and valued.’
The ECSDN wants supporters to use the day of action to advocate for:
- The importance of an Early Childhood graduate-led workforce
- Sustainability of Early Childhood Studies Degrees
- Sustainability within the Early Childhood Workforce
- Key areas of policy and research development within Early Childhood
ECSDN tips on how to take part
Sending letters and emails
Lecturers’ role: Introduce the day within your modules and encourage students to write to their local MPs or education ministers. https://members.parliament.uk/FindYourMP
The ECSDN are encouraging students to use the letter that they wrote collectively to education secretary Bridget Phillipson and early years minister Stephen Morgan as an example to help them write to their MPs (see attached PDF to download as a template). They suggest using your institute’s letterhead if this is agreed.
Students are also encouraged to write their own letters. If students are sending an email, please send from your university email address.
Social Media
Participants are encouraged to share their letters and messages on social media using the hashtag #ECSDNDayofAction and also tagging in @ECSDNetwork on X/Twitter and Instagram.
Students and academic teams can share important messages on social media, using the hashtag #ECSDNDayofAction to be in for the chance to win a £50 Amazon voucher, which will be decided by students sharing 'the most impactful letters' on social media.
