MPs to celebrate contribution of early years’ educators

Cross-party group of MPs secure parliamentary debate on the importance of early years’ educators as part of Childcare and Early Education Week

The House of Commons will hold a debate next week (Tuesday 25 January) to mark the contribution of the early years’ workforce and explore the challenges facing them.

This debate has been secured by the All-Party Parliamentary Group for Childcare and Early Education as part of its annual Childcare and Early Education Week. This year’s theme is celebrating the contribution early years’ workers make under the theme of #WeAreEducators.

A cross-party group of parliamentarians who works with the sector to support childcare settings, the APPG for Childcare and Early Education seeks to promote the value of high-quality early education in helping every child to have the best start in life.

The debate will take place from 2.30pm on Tuesday 25 January in Westminster Hall and be led by Steve Brine MP, Chair of the APPG for Childcare and Early Education. It will feature a contribution from the new Children and Families Minister, Will Quince MP, as well as parliamentarians from across the House. The debate will be available to watch online at Parliamentlive.tv.

Speaking ahead of the debate, Steve Brine MP said:

‘It is an absolute pleasure to be leading this debate to mark the inestimable contribution that early years’ educators make to the formative first five-years of our children’s lives.

‘As a parent and someone married to an early years’ professional, I have first-hand experience of their importance. I look forward to parliamentary colleagues joining me to put our appreciation on record.

‘I have written to all MPs urging them to engage with early years’ professionals and settings in their areas as part of Childcare and Early Education Week and beyond.

‘This debate and the wider Childcare and Early Education Week are an opportunity to both celebrate the work of our early years’ educators, but also acknowledge the challenges they face.

‘Too often early years’ professionals are not seen as holding the same status as others working in education in the eyes of policymakers.

‘The All-Party Parliamentary Group for Childcare and Early Education, which I chair, wants to stand alongside these keyworkers in proudly declaring ‘We are educators’.

‘It is my hope that a full and frank conversation will allow early years’ professionals to get the support and recognition they richly deserve.’

The APPG encourages everyone to show their support for early years’ educators on CEE Week on social media using #WeAreEducators and #CEEAPPG.