ABSTRACT
This chapter expresses that meritocracy is a myth, and that far from being about the choices made by individuals, poverty and inequality are the inevitable consequences of the pervasive social class discourse. It explains how our society is 'loaded' towards the better off middle classes, whilst significantly disadvantaging those from the lower social echelons and at the same time encouraging damaging discourses that shape perceptions of particular socio-economic groups. The vast majority of 3–4-year-olds in England attend some form of Early Education. This provides an opportunity for children to socialise with their peers and to learn through play with a wider range of resources than they may have previously been exposed to, and guided by practitioners with expertise in Early Childhood Education. Children's interests and family culture should be embraced and valued, with learning scaffolded in a way that supports the child.
