Z IS FOR ZENITH
'Inclusion is a process of identifying, understanding and breaking down barriers to participation and belonging'. (Early Childhood Forum, 2003)
To be at the zenith is to be at the time when something is at its most powerful and successful. In recent years, enormous strides have been made in early years towards identifying and addressing barriers and achieving successful inclusive practice. These achievements have, by and large, been underpinned by policy, guidance and legislation. We are also witnessing the creation of an increasingly reflective, authoritative and professionalised workforce. Investment in people and infrastructure has meant that the importance and value of a robust and inclusive early years sector has begun to be recognised in real terms.
Questions are inevitably arising about the extent to which this momentum is sustainable, or indeed desirable in economic and ideological terms.
In the early years we recognise that it is the well-being of the children and families that we work with that is at the heart of these debates. We know that there is still an enormous amount of work to be done. Despite many positive and inspirational examples of practice, we know that the early years sector is not yet at the zenith of inclusive practice.
Research shows that we are living in an increasingly divided and unequal society. Direct links are being made between inequalities and later outcomes such as health, educational attainment and overall quality and length of life. Against this backdrop the early years sector has the potential to be an even more pivotal and cost-effective resource, as well as a powerful voice.
The Firm Foundations campaign is seeking to promote the need for investment and quality in early years settings. One of the key messages of the campaign is the need to consolidate and build on the developments that have happened in early years in recent times and the need for greater investment in early years education and care to reduce inequality and tackle disadvantage. Apathy is not an option if we wish to continue along the path to inclusion.
- http://firmfoundationscampaign.org.uk
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