The Early Years Equality action group, which was established last year in reaction to a lack of support for the sector in the autumn statement, has set a date for its planned protest. It will take place on Saturday 18 March in London.
It is one of a number of planned movements by the group, which aims to bring childcare providers together to collectively campaign for better funding to save further settings from closure and ensure the sector’s voices are better heard by the Government.
So far, nearly 100 people have registered to join the protest, which is open to both staff working in childcare settings as well as parents.
One of the founders of the group, Claire Birtwell – previously Claire Kenyon – (who is now using her maiden name to avoid confusion), director of Busy Lizzie’s Nursery in Chichester, said, ‘We can no longer remain silent about the lack of funding and support for the early years sector. We are in crisis, thousands of settings have closed in the past few years and more will be forced to do so as long as the funding increases fail to match inflation. We deserve better but most importantly our children deserve better.
'We will protest in London on Saturday March 18th, and we hope that not only early years providers will join us, but parents too, not just in support of us but in support of their children's future which is what we are fighting for.'
The other founders of the Early Years Equality action group are Dionne Pullen, owner of Organic Forest Kindergarten in Wiltshire and Claire Kenyon (no relation to Claire Birtwell), owner of The Children’s Garden Nurseries in Stamford and Norwich. Freelance bookkeeper and early years rep for PVI settings in Norwich, Lacey Douglass, has had to step down from the group due to other commitments.
- To register your interest in taking part in the protest click here
