A NATIONAL VOICE FOR
"TRULY INDEPENDENT" PARTNERSHIPS
We need to have a voice directly into the DfEE to prevent any more crazy
timescales. We need to share experience through networking - starting with Partnership Chairs. We need action to be taken
where the local Partnership is little more than tokenism. We need guidance to prevent
local Councils simply running the Information Service or Development side wholly
themselves. We need to help make the 3 nationally funded (why not CHICs?) accountable.
FOR A PROPER THREE YEAR CURRICULUM,
BASED ON GOOD QUALITY NURSERY/ SUPPORTIVE PLAY, FOR AGES 3 to 6.
We need to tackle the pressures on Reception Year from Baseline Assessment and
Literacy Hour. We need to move towards better adult/ child ratios and minimum non-contact
time expectations. This "Foundation" key stage (NOT Key Stage zero!) needs
to focus on building childrens creativity and confidence. (See recent TES report and QCA
consultation document). Following this through we need a national agreement to improve the
working terms & conditions of all childcare, nursery and other workers. Quality means
valuing staff, paying them well, and getting stability. See latest High/ Scope Research project.
These are just some of the issues I see (and raised
with me) as Chair of the Bristol Partnership. Sorry I don't at present have the time to
develop managed mailing lists or discussion lists around these issues to encourage a more
structured & open debate. But do send me
comments which (if you are agreeable) I will add.
Dave Sutton, Chair
