It is a very exciting time in early years. Looking back on our history and all the volunteers who have battled, made dreadful nuisances of themselves, and been highly unpopular with politicians, bosses and others, I hope Margaret McMillan and other founder members would be proud of us today.
I was delighted to read the words of the editor of the Times Educational Supplement section Primary, Diane Hofkins (17 October). I think they sum us up very well. 'The world of early years experts is a strange one. There is probably more passion in that sphere than in all the rest of the education universe combined. Ministers and mandarins have found themselves both baffled and shocked by the fury and uncompromising forthrightness of the early years lobby.
'But it should really not be surprising. These women (and a few men) are fighting on behalf of the youngest and most vulnerable children in the education system, and so they are the most protective, and the fiercest, like tigresses defending their cubs.'
We are thrilled that after 80 years we have a minister for children. When Margaret Hodge launched Early Education's under-threes exhibition in 1999, she announced the 'quiet revolution' of England's new Foundation Stage. We are enthused that one of our revered vice-presidents, Lesley Staggs, has taken on the role of first national director of the Foundation Stage.
I agree with Lesley Staggs that 'the most important revolutionaries are the people who actually work with the children. The quality of early education is only as good as they are'.
We know from our meetings with Baroness Ashton and her high profile in the Sure Start Unit that she is always in there with the children. She understands the problems of working mothers and is pushing hard to look at appropriate, quality provision for the 21st century.
(Taken from her speech in Westminster last week at the 80th anniversary celebration of Early Education)
