hailstorm of initiatives and pronouncements, leaving the early years sector battered
The news that a baseline check is to be introduced for reception children, despite a clear rejection of this from respondents to the consultation, kicked things off.
The same day, another consultation began, combining questions on childminder agency regulation and the role of local authorities. 'Will anyone take any notice of the responses?' was the not unreasonable query from many.
Then the release of the revised Early Years Foundation Stage, to take effect in September this year, took everybody by surprise, appearing without any notice or fanfare. The changes are mostly relaxation of regulatory requirements such as the need for policies and staff appraisals (see our guide, page 8). Government will say it is trusting providers to do the right thing, but the overall effect may be detrimental to children's rights and needs.
And then of course, Sir Michael Wilshaw's pronouncements on how the early years system is failing poor children, who should be in school from the age of two. Ofsted's Gill Jones reportedly said on breakfast TV that we don't want the least able in society looking after the most vulnerable!
Unfortunately, it may all have the effect of making early years providers feel demoralised and harshly criticised, when so many have worked so hard to improve standards and offer a high-quality service despite years of under-funding. It cannot be denied that there is a long way to go, but we need to be moving in the right direction and all together.
I'm now looking forward to getting a wider perspective on early childhood on the Nursery World tour to China.