A new international manifesto for early childhood

Early Childhood Action’s new document for early childhood, Unhurried Pathways (1), was launched last month at ECA’s inaugural conference held at the University of Winchester, and attended by 250 enthusiastic delegates eager to hear from the stellar line-up of keynote speakers; Baroness Susan Greenfield, Penelope Leach, Colwyn Trevarthen and Sue Palmer.  

Presenting on behalf of ECA, Richard House referred to the notable failure of practitioners, teachers and academics to speak ‘professional truth to political power’ – a phenomenon which was highlighted by a seminar held at Winchester the previous day delivered by conference participant Hulda Hreiorsdottir.

Hulda described the very different way of life and approach to child-raising that exists in Iceland, with an empowered population of professionals and citizens who simply would not allow their government statutorily to impose policies that were contrary to young children’s well-being. In the view of ECA, this seeming apathy and inability in England to take a principled stand against overweening governmental power is certainly a phenomenon that needs urgent attention.