Government policies and early education: Perspectives from practitioners

Abstract

SUMMARY The content of the paper is mainly drawn from an early childhood education research project, Principles into Practice: Improving the Quality of Children's Early Learning, currently in progress at Goldsmiths' College, University of London. Research evidence from this project reveals a consensus of views gathered from experienced early years practitioners about what constitutes quality in early learning and how this can be supported and advanced. This paper illustrates the way in which these views conflict with key aspects of the British government's education policy for children under eight, revealing a deep dissatisfaction with current policy on the part of adults working with young children in England and Wales today.