Twenty years ago, when I joined the board of NDNA, both the childcare sector and NDNA looked very different.
In that time, I have been proud to see NDNA become an organisation that truly represents, supports and trains the early years sector.
In 2001, the then Government’s first National Childcare Strategy was still being implemented, EYDCPs were up and running and we had the first Foundation Stage. My passion has always been to see early years recognised as the vital stage of learning that it is. While we have often disagreed with policy-makers on some of their decisions, I have seen our sector grow, adapt and develop to meet the needs of children in a rapidly changing world.
There is no denying that the focus on children’s development has helped us put things into practice that make a real difference to children in our settings and their life chances. As a sector, we are resilient, resourceful and endlessly creative, which can be a blessing and a curse.
Working for the children in our settings is both a privilege and a joy, but it has meant that when successive Governments have said ‘do more with less’, we have buckled down and delivered. Our amazing staff teams have worked and studied to better themselves but are still sometimes seen as just glorified babysitters. We have fought the disastrous GCSE requirements fiasco and argued for professional recognition, but Government investment has never been close to what’s needed.
The pandemic has shown how important nurseries are to children, families and our communities. It also showed how important NDNA is to our members.
Looking ahead, NDNA will continue to be an important source of support. Whether it’s curriculum reform in England and Wales or changes to the law on children’s rights laws in Scotland, NDNA will be there to help nurseries navigate new and ever- changing landscapes.
While debates about early education and childcare should always focus on what’s best for children, NDNA has never shied away from the importance of getting funding right.
As Governments in England, Scotland and Wales start setting their education budgets, our message is clear: it is time to stop underfunding and start building children’s futures.
During my time with NDNA I have been very lucky to work with some incredibly talented people. We have built teams of sector experts across our Board, advisory committees, staff teams and all the providers who volunteer their time with us. I am incredibly proud to leave the organisation on a strong footing, both financially and operationally, having established the National Early Years Enterprise Centre as our headquarters.
I have also seen the organisation expand to represent the sector in Wales, Scotland and even serving nurseries internationally, an incredible position to reach. Whatever challenges face the sector and wherever there are opportunities to support providers in delivering early education and care, I know everyone at NDNA will be working hard for all of us.
- Sarah was recently made an Honorary Fellow of the University of Central Lancashire (UCLan), in recognition of the significant contribution she has made to early years education and childcare - an honour awarded during the university's graduation ceremonies in September.