Nursery World - Nursery Management: Campaigning

Recruitment crisis, 30 hours, rising costs… for those in the early years sector, it’s easy to feel beaten at the moment. But there are ways to challenge authority if you know how, as campaigner Jo Parkes reports

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In politics, it often appears that decision-makers are divorced from the public. Disenfranchisement can trigger a range of emotions: disappointment, anger, and then a desire to fight back. Eventually, depending on how long the fight goes on, there is often a feeling of burn-out, but a good battle plan can help avoid wasting valuable energy and early fatigue.

Purnima Tanuku, chief executive of the National Day Nurseries Association (NDNA), says reason, persistence and patience will let your arguments take effect over time.

‘Politicians tend to listen to reasoned argument and evidence, which is why we spend time carrying out thorough research within the sector. This is what gets you a place at the negotiating table when you are listened to and responded to.’

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