Working together for an early education and childcare sector that delivers for our children, for parents, and for the economy.
Dingley’s Promise is part of a new early years-focused coalition that has been formed with the goal of challenging all political parties to be more ambitious on early education and childcare reform in England. We’re extremely excited to be a part of a group of over 30 organisations helping to improve the long-term outcomes for children with SEND in the Early Years and ensuring the development of an early education and childcare system that works for all; with fair pay, conditions, and adequate funding.
The Early Education and Childcare Coalition (EECC) has been developed by gender equality thinktank the Women’s Budget Group, and funded by the Kiawah Trust, a charitable foundation that supports initiatives to tackle educational and gender inequality. It aims to shape future policy for the sector with the benefit of insight and expertise from leading early years voices. Working with all political parties to encourage real focus on the early years sector at the next general election.
The EECC consists of 30 leading organisations and charities including the Early Years Alliance, as well as Save the Children, the National Children’s Bureau, UNICEF, and other leading voices in the sector.
Dingley’s Promise is excited to be a part of this vital coalition at a critical time for the early years sector. Families, settings and government want children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) to get the best start, and to be able to experience inclusion wherever possible, and it is essential that this happens in the earliest years when children have the best chance to play and learn alongside their peers. With the latest research showing that only 18% of local authorities believe they have enough provision for children with SEND, and families increasingly reporting being turned away from settings, there has never been a more important time than now to join together to build a more equitable and inclusive early education system.
Neil Leitch, CEO of the Early Years Alliance and supporter of Dingley’s Promise said: “The formation of this coalition could not come at a more pivotal moment for the early years. There is no doubt that having so many voices from across the education, children’s, parenting, and business sectors come together in this way sends a hugely powerful message to the government about the vital importance of early education and care.
Find out more about the coalition here Early Education and Childcare Coalition (earlyeducationchildcare.org)
