ABSTRACT
Start Right, The Importance of Early Learning, was published by the RSA in 1994 – almost a quarter of a century ago. It provoked an ongoing debate about the importance of early learning, its nature, its inextricable relationship with child-care, the appropriate social provision required, and the need for providers and practitioners of the highest quality. Over the next few years most of the 17 recommendations were discussed and addressed and many of them were implemented. In this Chapter I reflect upon what still remains to be done, what has been done – but not well enough, and what further things now need to be done in the light of our learning and experience since 1994. I believe that the time has now come to revisit, not just the Start Right Report, but more importantly the whole subject of the importance of early learning. I identify three major areas of weakness in the provision for early childhood in our society – in spite of all that has been achieved over the past 20 years. They are: the education and support of parents; the curriculum, and the pedagogy for children from birth to 7 years. My recommendations for going forward include ten steps for parents and an endorsement of the revised Early Years Framework devised by Pat Preedy (Chapter 2) that covers birth to seven, taking into account the latest research including that described by contributors to this book. As in 1994 I believe that: We should act because it is right. Our children’s children will not readily forgive us, if we decline to face the challenge, or fail (Start Right, paragraph 8.15.)
