When I was aged 11 I had a passionate wish to be an air hostess. But it was after another 12 years, when my daughter attended a wonderful state nursery school, that I saw a world of work I knew would be right for me. My subsequent posts have included roles in the playgroup movement, headteacher of a nursery school, an adviser in two local authorities and one of her Majesty's Inspectors.
Over the years early years education has been influenced by four themes - insufficiency, diversity, lack of resources, and commitment. Without the amazing endeavour of early years practitioners there would be fewer pre-school places, much of the provision would not be as good and the education and care of young children would be lower on the political agenda today.
The resolutions for 2001 agreed by Early Education reflect some of the priorities our members wish to address. One is the need for the Foundation Stage in England to be fully understood by all those involved with children from three to six years. In order for full and effective implementation it is important that inspectors, senior managers and subject co-ordinators in schools recognise the statutory status of the Foundation Stage and sign up to the philosophy, principles and good practice required.
Another resolution is that the close working links with parents based on mutual respect, which already exist in many nursery settings, need to be a standard aspect of all provision. But members stress that in order for parents to back our work they need to receive clear information about the Foundation Stage and how it underpins quality care and education. This requires a high-profile national campaign.
I look forward to new developments in both of these areas. The world of early childhood is a long way from my younger aspirations for a career above the clouds, but surely, with continued endeavour, the sky's the limit.