CREC at the Labour Party Annual Conference

At the end of September, members of the CREC team attended fringe events at the Labour Party conference to learn more about the current Government’s developing plan for early years, and education more generally. Over two busy days they attended panel events and networking sessions on a range of topics including: childcare reform; evidence based programmes; delivering on the GLD targets; parenting and parental roles; disadvantage and the attainment gap; and where to focus to achieve the Government’s opportunity mission. There were a variety of different voices represented including Ministers themselves but also third sector organisations, think tanks, provider groups, academics and trade unions. Whilst opinions did differ, there was a collective sense of hope shared regarding the Best Start in Life initiative, although it became increasingly obvious that the detail around implementation is urgently required – it would be helpful to know that in 12 months’ time there is something tangible to discuss beyond the current vision.

There was much talk also regarding the interconnectivity of issues and more than one speaker reiterated that there ‘is no silver bullet’. It was also interesting to hear several panellists recognise the benefits of evidence-led programmes but also their limitations, with calls for place-based bottom-up responses to local need at a community level. Overall, it was positive to see how large a number of sessions concerned an aspect of early years and we can only hope that this policy profile can continue as we look to develop and enhance the sector to better meet the needs of all children and families.

Finally, perhaps the biggest discovery made by the team on their trip was a small, friendly restaurant in Liverpool docks by the name of Maray and their signature dish – Disco Cauliflower! A perfect way to refuel after lots of discussion and mental stimulation!