A bit misguided, I think!

[AnonyMouse_73]

ok i offer my two year olds...

individual attention

a family environment with older 'siblings' in the same group so that they learn from others

a specialist team who understand play is the first, second and everything that a two year old does ...all at least level 3 some 4 or 5 all very experienced...special SAL training/connections with support groups/multi agencies

space for them to run/sleep/eat and be comforted either inside or out for as long as they need...without fear of 'big' children !

short days

lots of time for their parents to work with us to ensure their children are happy and settled before they leave (penny tassoni has some interesting evidence that if a parents leaves when their child is crying that the bond of trust is broken and will never be

soft furnishings/large sofas/home from home atmosphere/soft lighting/specialised toilets/changing facilities

staggered starts to ensure individual attention

enough equipment so as not to cause stress and anxiety. Regularly cleaned and checked.

support for parents whenever they want/need and for howver long they need. ...the whole point being that these children are coming from families that need support! this system will not work if this support is not in place

A small cosy setting which allows them to be a big fish in a small pond and supports their self esteem and confidence

 

If schools can offer all these things i will shut up!

Yes, Finleysmaid they can and they often do! But isnt that the same for all types of provider?

And no need at all to 'shut up'. The great thing about this forum (one of the many great things that is!) is that we discuss, debate, sometimes disagree, but all of that enables us to reflect on our values, our views and affirm or tweak or even change them. All good stuff in my book, because we do it professionally.

 

But I do want to end my point with this.

To take the words of Martin Luther King, I hope we see a time when early years provision is judged, not by its 'type' but by the content of its practice.