We must do more for our young children. That was the clear message from practitioners and policymakers across the UK and their counterparts in other EU member states, who met at the European Parliament last month to conclude the two-year programme 'Working for Inclusion: the role of the early years workforce in addressing poverty and promoting social inclusion', led by Children in Scotland.
Children under five are at greater risk of poverty than any other major population group. Yet all evidence shows, in the words of Frank Field's report to the Prime Minister, that 'children's life chances are most heavily predicated on their development in the first five years of life'.
The Working for Inclusion research shows that to turn things around, universal, not targeted, services are key. Services need to be fully integrated - unlike our current early years system, which is dominated by a conceptual split between 'childcare' and 'education'. Fully integrated early childhood education and care systems are clearly linked to lower rates of child poverty and inequality and higher levels of child wellbeing. And those who work with the youngest children have to be appropriately recognised, qualified and remunerated for the task.
You don't have to be a wealthy country to move in the right direction. Post-communist Slovenia has put in place many of the structures and entitlements to support a professional early years workforce in a relatively short time. Investment here now would bring immediate benefits, with all families accessing non-stigmatising support that would also help them access employment. Improved local employment opportunities in care and education would help galvanise fragmented communities. The UK desperately needs early childhood education and care services to enhance the lives of children, parents and communities.
What services Europe's youngest citizens should be offered is the subject of issue 20 of Children in Europe magazine, available in March. To pre-order, contact publications@childreninscotland.org.uk
