Coram Hempsall marked its landmark 25th anniversary on 10 February with a Future Thinking Symposium, bringing together key industry figures, partners and supporters to reflect on the past, present and future of early years and the childcare sector.
James Hempsall, managing director of Coram Hempsall’s welcomed guests and keynote speakers with an acknowledgement of the ‘significant achievements’ made over the past three decades in terms of practice, quality, research, funding, evidence and data, although, he also warned of complacency, and the need for all those working in early years to come together as the ‘glue’ to hold this ‘too fragile’ early years system in place – a line of thinking that was echoed by several speakers on the evening.
What’s really important?
James noted that although we have come a long way in terms of quality practice, research and academic approaches, and while politicians, professionals and the public are interested and supportive, this does not always translate into an understanding of what is really important and needed within early years. But a strong foundation has been forged none the less.
Speaking on the subject of early years support, he said: ‘The whole system is too complicated and complex. It needs to seamlessly and effectively deliver universal services for all and do more for those experiencing the effects of disadvantage and needing additional opportunities.
‘That way, we will reach those who need the targeted support, and everyone can access early education and childcare and fully understand how to use it, access it, and enjoy the benefits from it.’
To help shape Coram Hempsall’s future Manifesto, a panel of special guests were invited to share their thoughts on the future of early years and their expectations and ideas for the next twenty-five years.
Catherine McLeod MBE is CEO of Dingley’s Promise, a charity supporting children in early years reach their full potential. Catherine spoke of her concern about lack of access to SEND provision being a huge problem for both settings and parents. A 2024 survey found that only 6 per cent of councils in the UK have adequate childcare for children with SEND.
Catherine went on to cite this lack of provision as a reason some early years staff are leaving the sector.
Helen Donohoe, CEO at PACEY, reiterated James’ earlier thoughts on the importance of not being reticent, saying that although the sector has now created a strong foundation and achieved a huge amount, it is still waiting to see a clear vision of where we are heading.
‘As campaigners for change, we need to keep up the fight for a sector that can fairly provide for both its workers and the children they care for, that we have a responsibility to not critique ourselves unfairly, and also to champion the benefits of good quality childcare,’ she said.
Catherine McLeod went on to caution against a one-size-fits-all mindset, emphasizing that a nuanced provision must not fall by the wayside.
Understanding communitiesDoctor Julien Grenier, a prominent figure in early childhood education – including leading Sure Start Children’s Centres from 2001 to 2023, spoke passionately about the importance of making a real commitment to understand communities and different people’s lives, and to recognise that as professionals we hold a lot of power that can cause real harm when we judge families unfairly through a lack of recognition of personal circumstances.
Carey Oppenheim, strategic project lead at the Nuffield Foundation, an independent charitable trust looking to advance educational opportunity and social well-being, spoke of the importance of recognition from the wider society on the benefits of a strong early years foundation, in that lack of provision here, casts a long shadow that is difficult to rectify later down the line, especially when combined with poverty and inadequate housing provision.
Feeling ignoredWhen it came to questions from the room, the big take away was that grassroots providers felt ignored and unrepresented in policies and decision making across the sector. They believe there is a disconnect with the hands-on workforce. It was felt the heads of organisations were making decision for them – no matter how well intentioned.
Coming together
The whole evening was a real coming together of knowledgeable and passionate advocates of early years care and development, who ultimately spoke as one on the importance of the early years sector not resting on their laurels, and that through an optimistic mindset and by continuing to build on the secure foundations already achieved, a better place for our children and the sector as a whole, will ultimately come to fruition.
