You may have noticed #StandUpForEarlyYears on our website and social media over the past few weeks.
Nursery World was inspired to launch this campaign to highlight the brilliant and vital work of the early years sector, which is often overlooked, but particularly so in the recent months of the pandemic and lockdown.
Early years has barely been mentioned in most government pronouncements. Although some financial aid has been available, the last-minute furlough backtrack was very damaging, as was the announcement that the sector would receive money in the education catch-up plan, only for this to be withdrawn a couple of hours later.
Boris Johnson’s references to childcare betray a lack of knowledge and a disregard for what the sector is and does – saying that childminders don’t work from home, saying that ‘formal childcare’ can reopen from 4 July, seemingly muddling up nurseries and holiday clubs.
And despite the desperate financial circumstances that many settings find themselves in, there seems to be no prospect of better funding rates, better wages and higher status.
Many parents now appreciate far more the job that early years practitioners do, with nurseries and childminders having been closed.
It’s time to shout loudly about the worth of early years education and childcare. We’ve been highlighting some of the fantastic dedication, skill, professionalism and love that those working in early years display every day, with positive stories you send us. We want to reinforce the message that early years needs respect, appreciation and proper funding.
Campaign partner Cosy is offering prizes of Trog Towers resources for two of those featured each week, so let us know about your wonderful work.