Nursery World - Analysis: Time for reflection

With a New Year upon us, figures from the early years world share what they thought of events in 2009 and what developments they would like to see taking place in the future.

WENDY SCOTT, early years consultant

'For me, the most disappointing event of 2009 was the Government's cynical rejection of the findings of the Cambridge Review of Primary Education. This revealed that their claim of relying on evidence-based practice is false, since they discredited the most serious and best-researched thinking about the primary curriculum for 40 years, and thus blocked the debate about pedagogy that should inform policy. It is very disturbing to find that the weight of evidence and thoughtful recommendations were rejected out of hand - and indeed, that the so-called independent Rose Review, with its very limited remit, has been used to eclipse the work of Professor Alexander and his Cambridge team. Their review will remain a powerful source of inspiration, however.

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