Is early years trapped in a toxic cycle?

If that’s you right now, then it’s time to break free. And key to that, is the adage: if you want things to change, change yourself.  I know from experience this is true. 

What sparked this blog? It was the constant stream of lobbying reports, blogs and articles from early years colleagues. They all have in common a theme of complaining and observing about early years’ position and our status in society, and more specifically the world of education. They all ask for more.  More recognition, resources and repute to at least reach equality with others.

There’s little I disagree with. It's always been part of my mission. And it remains the case. Although things have gotten better in my 30 years of early years, the work is not done yet. I concur that things don’t seem to join up. That there are many things that are wrong, or just don’t make common sense.  They don’t compute. It’s frustrating, to say the least. There is no good reason why people should regard early years as having lower status than other learning, education or children’s services, that the workforce is somehow less important, less qualified or less able. It's just not right and proper.  The opposite is true.