The vast majority of parents entrust the education of their children over the age of five to the maintained sector. However, education and care for the under-fives is mostly in private settings, many now apparently controlled by private equity firms for profit (Childcare sector in England must not become ‘playground for private equity’, experts say, 4 August).
Surely the vital early stages of education, which can have such a positive effect on future progress, should have the same status as those for older children?
I have been a member of and volunteer for the British Association for Early Childhood Education – a charity also known as Early Education – for many years. It was founded as the Nursery School Association in 1923 to promote the right of all children to the highest-quality nursery education. I hope we do not wait for another 100 years for this to be achieved.
Come on, Labour! Be more ambitious, aim to gradually incorporate all early years provision into the maintained sector, with the qualified teachers and other well-trained staff our young children need and deserve. We know the best outcomes for children are in settings with the most highly qualified staff.
Elizabeth Pearson
Former nursery teacher and head of a maintained nursery school, New Barnet, London
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