As this is published, I will have headed off for a short break following the submission of my dissertation for a masters' degree in early years. I am stunned that I made the deadline and even more stunned that I have completed all the units. It does, however, remind me that we are in difficult times. I could not have achieved this level of study without the commitment by the Government to supporting the development of a well-skilled early years workforce to provide our youngest children with the care and learning the adults of tomorrow deserve. Surely we have to give something back?
We still have a duty to run our nurseries to the very highest standards and continue our quest for the best possible outcomes for children. That will mean being prepared to stand up and be counted if the new Government tries to make some of the changes that have been hinted at in party manifestoes.
We now have an early years sector that focuses on the individual, provides great learning experiences if done right and is developing a firstclass workforce that is educated to degree standard and beyond.
Please do not try to tell me that this level of qualification does not make a difference - of course it does. Reflective practitioners working in a setting will undoubtedly raise the standard of delivery of the Early Years Foundation Stage. They have that extra knowledge and understanding of how children learn, they have an empathy with the children that enables them to recognise a child's preferred method of learning and they have the knowledge and skills to be able to translate this into meaningful dialogue with parents to support them in helping their child to progress.
A Government that thinks it should slim down the EYFS, or decides that nurseries can charge top-up fees during the funded-only period of the day, or thinks that the Early Years Single Funding Formula should be scrapped, is tinkering around the edges.
It needs to be firm with a commitment to having a well-qualified, graduate-led workforce, supported by increased salaries from subsidised childcare places.
It must ensure equal status for all early years workers, from teachers to nurses to childminders, as this will be the key to developing a worldclass early years sector.
It is time for this country to recognise that the first five years of a child's life is the period when they will do the greatest amount of learning, acquiring the skills to develop into well-rounded and firmly grounded citizens. We need to stick to our belief in a child's right to a childhood based in play and ensure that all their futures are secure.
Next month's business development column will be written by Sarah Steel, managing director of the Old Station nursery group