While there is an acceptance birth to seven years is a uniquely significant and dramatically formative period of children’s development and growth, there remains an untapped opportunity to reach consensus in defining its explicit nature and content.
There is a general agreement all children benefit from a high quality ECE experience, although when this is the focus of debate, there is often lack of clarity, agreement, or acknowledgement of what this means in practice. Although a steady flow of Government sponsored and other evidence appears to indicate the emergence of agreed precepts of quality, there exists a need to untangle narratives in both what this is and how they are most effectively achieved. The dialogue between politically and nationally derived ECE policy and day-to-day practice can unnecessarily compete, and we think new and positive opportunities for recognition and understanding of how ECE needs to ‘work’ are there for the taking.
That is why we launched hey! this summer (Hempsall’s Early Years) and we made it our mission to do what we can to help all our future dreams. We aim to:
- provide a modern, informed and positive approach to early years education, drawing upon its rich history and tradition, and acknowledging how our understanding of this is continually evolving for better outcomes.
- raise quality through embedding a deep understanding and knowledge of curriculum progression so early educators are empowered with a pedagogical repertoire to optimise learning.
- create conditions for learning, with effective observation and assessment, professional interventions, and enabling environments.
- use evidence-based, research driven approaches to supporting the most effective and impactful practice. We will make best use of the EYFS, enhancing the statutory framework through exploring the influence of international models, pedagogy, and curricula, drawn from and feeding into an authentically global perspective recognising the importance of cultural identity and diversity.
The first thing we did was bring 1,600 people together online for our free EYFS Reform: One year on conference on 6 October, you can watch that here We also launched our first policy paper: Reshaping the future: Realigning, re-energising and reframing priorities for ECE practice and provision. And to help make all this happen, we have created a new exciting and dynamic offer of briefings, CPD and onsite support integrated with our established training, research, and consultancy services.
The purpose of the paper is provoke, stimulate and initiate a debate and discussion on how the understanding and representation of ECE practice and provision can be fully understood and reshaped. Its aim is to explicitly identify current key priorities that appear to be determining the current challenges and issues and attempt to realign this with a view of responsible and impactful practice, drawing from what we know and how this is specifically defined by the current environment.
By invoking this debate and addressing the issues it raises, its aspiration is to inspire educators across the sector to develop a confident and professional approach, and an enhanced ability to articulate the nature, uniqueness and critical location of ECE in the wider educational continuum in ways that connect with all current and potential stakeholders across the political, policy and practice space.
We believe early years is a serious matter. There needs to be more substantive engagement with the wider educational community, and society as a whole. And there is an urgent need for the sector to reflect on how we present, engage and articulate ECE practice, provision and purpose and enhance a professional image.
It will not be easy. To effectively influence and make the change we need, we must avoid the pitfall of conflict and assemble around the table to build and speak a common language, adopt an informed and evidenced approach, and create sound policy decisions that we can all work within. For now, for the future, and for the benefit of children and families, and those dedicated and committed to working in early years and childcare.