As early years practitioners, we have seen an incredible rise in both the provision of places for very young children and an amazing increase in the level of qualifications of all staff and the ongoing development of the workforce over the duration of the last Government's tenure. This is a great deal to celebrate. But is it all about to come crashing down, because the powers that be in Whitehall have no concept of children and their very diverse and real needs? It is not simply a matter of changing nappies, feeding and watering the children or keeping them safe. We need to ensure that 'every child matters', that getting to young children early enough is desperately important if we are to make an impact upon their lives. This is the only way they will gain the skills and abilities to enable them to move through school confidently, and become active and engaged adults who can make a difference to the 'Big Society'.
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