A call for your voiceWe know that there is an alarming mismatch between what we know is best for children as learner, and what is promoted by current educational policies.
With colleagues in the Early Years Coalition, we are engaged in writing a framework of pedagogic principles. To do this effectively,
we must also explain the thinking behind our recommendations. We need to be clear about not just WHAT children need, but WHY.
Just as importantly, we need to identify the obstacles in our way. So, let's all look round in anger and then look forward in hope, drawing on what we already know, and have known about children’s learning, for a very long time. For example:
‘The thirst for understanding springs from the child’s deepest emotional needs . . . it is a veritable passion.’ Susan Isaacs, (1932) The Children We Teach
We invite you all, whatever part you play in early childhood education, to contribute your thoughts and your grave concerns. Please reflect on and answer the questions below using vivid, incisive and life-like snapshots of children. We will collate and analyse your responses and prepare a frank, outspoken call for change in education policy today.
In optimism, Robin Duckett, Diane Rich, Gillian Reece-Jones, Mary Jane Drummond 
