Chapter 1: The centrality of play in early childhood
Back to overview of chapter resources Chapter authors Nancy Stewart Kierna Corr Julia Henderson Chapter overview Play is a fundamental in childhood, and enshrined as
When considering the future, looking back at recent changes in the early childhood education and care (ECEC) workforce in the UK, and appraising the current situation can inform what might be. Over the last hundred years ECEC has evolved enormously; different political administrations have engaged with and intervened in the provision of ECEC to varying degrees. Indeed, the sector has experienced extended periods of policy neglect and substantial investment and policy attention which have shaped provision and practice. As other chapters have demonstrated, devolved education policies across the four UK nations mean fragmentation. In this chapter we highlight some workforce policy initiatives and draw on the largest data sets and most substantial body of literature relating to England in particular. We consider recent workforce reviews which detail the features and challenges the workforce faces, as we take stock of current roles, initial education, and professional development within the sector. We conclude with an essentially bold, ambitious, and achievable vision for the future.
Papers
Elwick, A., Osgood, J., Robertson, L., Sakr, M. and Wilson, D. (2018) In pursuit of quality: early childhood qualifications and training policy. Journal of Education Policy, 33(4), pp.510-525.
Nutbrown, C. (2021) Early childhood educators’ qualifications: a framework for change, International Journal of Early Years Education, 29:3, 236-249.
Early Education Journal
Articles by David Yates
Policy Reports
Archer, N & Oppenheim, C. (2022) The role of early childhood education and care in shaping life chances. London: Nuffield Foundation
Bonetti, S. (2019) The early years workforce in England: a comparative analysis using the Labour Force Survey. London: Education Policy Institute
Bury, J. Mayer, M., Gogescu, F., Bristow, T., Husain, F. (2020) Understanding the Early Years Workforce Qualitative research findings. London: NatCen
Early Years Workforce Commission (2021) A Workforce in Crisis: Saving Our Early Years. PACEY.
Hardy, K., Tomlinson, J., Norman, H., Cruz, K., Whittaker, X. and Archer, N., (2022). Essential but undervalued: Early years care & education during COVID-19.
Social Mobility Commission (2020). The stability of the early years workforce in England. London: Social Mobility Commission
Pascal, C., Bertram, T. Cole-Albäck, A. (2020). Early Years Workforce Review: Revisiting the Nutbrown Review – Policy and Impact London: Sutton Trust
Government policy documents (England)
Back to overview of chapter resources Chapter authors Nancy Stewart Kierna Corr Julia Henderson Chapter overview Play is a fundamental in childhood, and enshrined as
Back to overview of chapter resources Chapter authors Verity Campbell- Barr Sasha Tregenza May Chapter overview In this chapter, we explore and analyse developments in
Back to overview of chapter resources Chapter authors Sue Allingham Nicola Brinning Chapter overview This chapter is built around the policy contexts of Wales and
Back to overview of chapter resources Chapter authors Alison Featherbe Louise Lloyd-Evans Helen Moylett Chapter overview In the early years, where our habits of mind
Back to overview of chapter resources Chapter authors Elizabeth Henderson Emma Gordon Helen McKinnon Jacqueline Bremner Maggie MacDonald Chapter overview Taking a Scottish perspective, this
Back to overview of chapter resources Chapter authors Cathy Nutbrown Becky Cook Chapter overview Early childhood education settings are increasingly, developing work with parents to
Back to overview of chapter resources Chapter authors Aline-Wendy Dunlop Lisa Barnes Myra McRobbie Chapter overview In this chapter we have chosen a transitions lens
Back to overview of chapter resources Chapter authors Jan Georgeson Emma Short Helen Adams Kate Ullman Chapter overview This chapter traces a brief history of
Back to overview of chapter resources Chapter authors Stella Louis Sally Cave Nasma Meah Chapter overview This chapter outlines what anti-discriminatory practice is and the
Back to overview of chapter resources Chapter authors Shaddai Tembo Fifi Benham Chapter overview This chapter examines the role of gender and LGBTQ+ inclusive practice
Back to overview of chapter resources Chapter authors Kathy Sylva Lesley Curtis Chapter overview This chapter explores the role of Children’s Centres (CCs) in serving
Back to overview of chapter resources Chapter authors Elizabeth Wood Louise Kay Jessica Travers Chapter overview This chapter draws on international research to indicate how
Back to overview of chapter resources Chapter authors Cathy Nutbrown Beatrice Merrick Chapter overview This chapter is a little different from the others. It considers
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