Nursery World - Opinion: In my view - Seize the opportunity

This surely must be the best of times for early years and I am delighted to have just been appointed as national director for the National Strategies, Early Years.

Now is the time to seize the opportunity to press forward with the quality agenda so that all children are given the chance to succeed. The Government has demonstrated its commitment to early years through new policies and investment. The Early Years Foundation Stage is in place. There are unequalled opportunities for training within the sector, first class materials and resources and a workforce which is dedicated to getting the best for young children.

The EYFS has the potential to help all children learn and develop because it provides a single quality framework which can meet the needs of all young children, wherever they are. Research has shown that high-quality early education makes the biggest difference for children living in disadvantage, and that is why it is so important to be making a concerted effort to improve provision for such children. The gap between these children and others begins to open at the age of two, so there is a huge responsibility and opportunity in the early years to try to prevent it occurring in the first place.

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