The 2014 Report: Childcare and early years

Over the course of 2013, we saw several policies introduced with little or no genuine consultation.

Many in the sector now feel that the government has simply stopped listening - and with good reason. Take the Children and Families Bill, now approaching its final stages, as an example. Many of the early years-related policies contained within the bill - changes to special educational needs provision, the reduction of local authorities' early years remit and the introduction of childminder agencies, to name but a few - were met with strong, vocal opposition from the sector, and yet the government chose to push ahead regardless and is now preparing to place these policies into primary legislation.

Of course, this will come as no surprise to those working in the early years as, when it comes to engaging with the sector, the government's track record is less than inspiring.

Last year, early years minister Liz Truss, the very person responsible for representing the sector, described us as a country of "chaotic settings". Those of us who would welcome a delayed school starting age were later dubbed "the prophets of dumbing down". Whatever happened to open, productive debate and dialogue?

At times like this, it is easy to feel powerless, to feel that what we say or do has no effect on government decision making. But before we get too disheartened, we should remember that the early years sector has an impressive track record when it comes to effecting policy change.

Our joint victory over the proposals to relax childcare ratios in the summer is one of very few instances of a government making a complete U-turn on a proposal across any policy area. More importantly, it is a fantastic example of what can be achieved when providers, parents, experts and representative organisations like the alliance work together for a common cause.

We know childcare and early education are likely to be key political issues in the run-up to the 2015 general election, and during this time we are likely to see more and more pledges and promises aimed at winning the hearts - and votes - of parents and carers across the country. Looking ahead to 2014 and beyond, therefore, it is vital that we work together as a sector and use the momentum we have gained over the past year to ensure that our views are heard and respected. When we speak, we are speaking on behalf of the youngest, most vulnerable children in society, and so it is high time the government started listening.

By Neil Leitch, chief executive, Pre-school Learning Alliance

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