Amid all the brouhaha around the funding and logistical problems of the expanded childcare offer, it was good to hear LEYF’s June O’Sullivan offer a more philosophical perspective on Radio Four’s Woman’s Hour this week. June, who was interviewed along with the Early Years Alliance’s Neil Leitch, refocused the discussion by asking, quite simply, what do we want for small children? Somehow this most important of questions has been lost in the conversation around the expansion of state-funded childcare. With this set to be extended to children as young as nine months, it seems irresponsible to say the least.
There has long been a big debate around quality provision – what it looks like, and how it can be delivered – and this urgently needs to be reframed within the context of Government policy. And surely any ‘ambition’ associated with extending childcare should be measured on the basis of its ability to benefit all children? It is a worrying sign of the times that current policy does not even pay lip service to these ideas.
Register now to continue reading
Thank you for visiting Nursery World and making use of our archive of more than 35,000 expert features, subject guides, case studies and policy updates. Why not register today and enjoy the following great benefits:
What's included
-
Free access to 4 subscriber-only articles per month
-
Unlimited access to news and opinion
-
Email newsletter providing activity ideas, best practice and breaking news
Already have an account? Sign in here
