Nursery World - Sarah Mackenzie: Is this a fresh start?

The make-up of the new Labour Cabinet provides hope that things can only get better for the early years sector and ordinary families

Sarah Mackenzie: 'This new Cabinet should be one that appreciates the crucial role played by early years professionals'

Labour’s recent election victory has brought with it a historic Cabinet in terms of gender representation and state education. You would hope this will bring genuine understanding of the day-to-day challenges faced by ordinary families and parents, particularly mothers.

Could this shift help with a transformation in how early years education is valued and supported? Could this lead to a more understanding, empathetic and informed approach to policy – a different perspective on the infrastructure parents need to balance parenting and work?

For those working in early years, this new Cabinet should be one that understands the realities of working-class life, that appreciates the crucial role played by early years professionals. Seeing individuals from similar backgrounds rise to prominent positions could provide a boost, inspiration, affirmation.

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