In general, these words seem to be linked to anything connected to the Government's ten-year strategy. While I am all in favour of high-quality services to offer choice to parents, I am more in favour of the development of choice for children and the recognition of their rights.
The time we are now living in presents an opportunity to develop our sector in ways that we have not seen before. Yet what we seem to be losing sight of is the most important factor of all - the children.
It is vital that we don't lose track of what is best for children and how we can ensure that they have the opportunities to choose their lifestyle.
The one thing all children have in common is their lack of input into their conception and subsequent lifestyle.
Once the decision has been taken to bring children into this world, they have a right to be parented effectively by the people who took that decision. That includes having a right to a childhood that does not consist of almost full-time daycare from the off, which then turns into breakfast clubs, school, after-school and holiday clubs. This amounts to institutionalising a huge chunk of the next generation. Where daycare is needed, it is right and proper that we strive to make it the highest quality it can be.
There are reasons we adults are not expected to work ten- and 12-hour days, 51 weeks a year. But it is not uncommon to find children who 'work' those hours.
Let us not forget that, for most of us in this profession, children are what brought us to our work. It is up to us to protect their interests and ensure they are considered fully in this equation. Daycare should not be considered mandatory the way it currently seems to be. Let's validate parenting as an effective choice too!
* Lynne Oates, early years practitioner, Halifax
