I am thrilled to be taking on the responsibility of the early years and childcare. Education is at the heart of the Prime Minister’s commitment to making Britain a place where there is no limit on anyone’s ambition or what they can achieve – and it all begins with the early years.
We all know that children’s experiences in early years are hugely formative in so many ways. The wealth of evidence on the positive impact of good quality early learning demonstrates its value in setting children on a successful path in life and getting them ready for school.
In the weeks since taking on this role I’ve been speaking to many providers and I’ve been struck by the passion and entrepreneurialism in this sector. Every day, nursery workers, early years teachers and childminders are helping children learn, develop and flourish – deftly placing the building blocks for unlocking their talents in adult life. But you are also constantly evolving – bringing new approaches to child development and innovating the way your businesses are run. We want to support that passion and that enterprise.
There is a huge amount of work under way to provide support. Our Workforce Strategy is in development and I am looking at ways of getting the best individuals into the profession, while recognising that excellence can be measured by qualities other than exam results. We are also talking to you about how we can best develop people’s talents while they are working in the sector and keep our most able and experienced staff, and how to ensure that those who work in this rewarding, challenging (and exhausting!) profession feel valued and appreciated.
We are putting more money into the sector than ever before – a record £6 billion by the end of this Parliament. And we have worked with you to develop the fairer funding system you have long called for – one that is based on how much it actually costs to meet local needs, not on how much a council has historically spent.
WORKING TOGETHER
As we continue to drive this work forward I want to hear your views so we can make sure we get these changes right – because by working together we can deliver the high-quality, affordable childcare which families across the country really need.
I am a working parent of two boys and I know first-hand how challenging it can be to balance raising a family with the responsibilities of work. The cost of childcare is something countless families tell us they struggle with. It’s why we have committed to doubling our free childcare offer to 30 hours for working parents.
We are at an important stage in delivering on that pledge: earlier this month, eight councils officially started delivering the 30 free hours in their area, a year ahead of its national roll-out. This is a culmination of months of hard work from staff on the ground in those areas and I am looking forward to hearing from them and seeing the benefits it will bring to local families.
My ministerial responsibilities also include women and equalities, so I am equally excited to see the impact this offer will have on women. Thankfully childcare is no longer always seen as a ‘woman’s job’, but we have a long way to go before we see anything like equality here. Our aim is to make sure that everyone has the support they need to be able to go back to work and progress in their careers after having children, if that is what they choose to do. Making childcare more affordable, as well as promoting flexible working and shared parental leave will help provide that support.
ROLE MODELS
Removing barriers for women in this way is vital if we are to show the next generation that your gender doesn’t limit what you can achieve in life. My mother was an entrepreneur, a successful business owner, as well as a great mum to both me and my twin siblings. I’m sure that’s why I had the confidence to start my own business when I was just 19.
I want the children in our nurseries and classrooms to see these kinds of role models everywhere and feel inspired and confident to pursue their own ambitions.
There are plenty more discussions to be had, and many decisions to be made – I don’t doubt for one second the importance of getting this right if we are going to deliver for the next generation. I am ready to listen and to roll up my sleeves.
Thank you for the welcome you have given me so far, I look forward to working with you to give children in our country the best possible start in life, wherever they live, whatever their background.
Caroline Dinenage will be speaking at the Nursery World Business Summit on 8 November (subject to parliamentary business). Book your place at www.nurserybusiness-summit.com/home
