The proposed changes to early education and before- and after- school care of older children have taken on a momentum that is staggering in its potential effect on children's lives.
Children's needs risk being lost in the Government's 'vision' of getting parents back to work. In particular, it seems short-sighted to dismantle traditional nursery schools, whose effectiveness is proven.
It is the balance of teachers, nursery nurses and teaching assistants, during a short time away from the home, that provides the most appropriate way of supporting children as they embark on their educational journey.
Allowing children time to explore, discover, problem-solve and develop imaginative skills needs experienced and well-qualified staff in a richly resourced and spacious environment. Too often, staff and children are not given these opportunities and many early years workers are poorly paid and expected to work in sub-standard buildings.
The maintained nursery where I work is typical in the way it adapts, if appropriate, and ensures staff constantly update their expertise. Parents respect staff's commitment to deliver the best learning and teaching.
Parents seem happy for their children to have a morning or afternoon session and are willing to adjust commitments to ensure their children are happy and settled in an environment appropriate to their development.
While appreciating the stresses of modern-day living on families, we should not transfer these to our children by expecting them to spend many hours in institutional environments. We have a duty to our young children to ensure their needs are met.
Parents should have a broad choice of education and care for their children that includes established and successful nursery school education.
