In 1999, Labour pledged to eradicate child poverty by declaring that ‘no child be left behind’. Whilst in government, it was Labour’s determination to tackle inequality and promote social mobility that saw the creation of Sure Start and the establishment of a National Minimum Wage. But whilst Labour made huge strides to create equality of opportunities in British society for the most disadvantaged between 1997 and 2010, inequality continues to blight our communities.
We can be proud of Labour’s policy successes, particularly at the height of our progressive years in government. We cannot however, become complacent about the need to renew our promise to eradicate social inequality, child poverty, geographical educational attainment, or the commitment to solving social mobility and aspiration.
Whilst Labour failed in 2015 to convince the electorate that we were again ready to govern, Ed Miliband announced new education policies which highlight our continued desire as a party to fix a broken education system. From the announcement of a new technical baccalaureate, to helping graduates enter fulfilling internships and a promise to create thousands of extra apprenticeship places for school leavers.
Nevertheless, it is Labour’s new ambition – to solve Britain’s early years education crisis – that will once again reignite our commitment to finishing the job that we started back in 1997. The Conservatives have presided over a detrimental reorganisation of the welfare state which, according to a study conducted by Landman Economics and the Fabian Society, there will be two million more children in poverty by 2030 than in 2016 – that’s over four million children.
Child poverty is a hugely important social challenge that must be met with responsible and passionate policies, the kind I believe only Labour can deliver. Labour’s childcare and eary years teaching policies can be central to tackling poverty. The Labour party have been discussing ways in which we can reboot Sure Start to be more adaptable. There is the belief that if we invest in early intervention, high-quality affordable childcare and help support parents, we can reduce welfare intervention costs later in life. The first thousand days of a child’s life are the most critical in their development and will set them up to either succeed, or fall, cognitively years behind their peers. This is where disadvantage begins to hold many working class children behind their peers in entering higher education, technical college or the meaningful employment.
You may be wondering what policies Labour could introduce to help children have a fairer chance of breaking down social barriers and fulfil their potential.
We can:
- Re-boot Sure Start to make its function more encompassing and so centres play a bigger role in our local communities (particularly in areas of low achievement and high poverty rates – otherwise known as “coldspots”).
- Invest in high-quality childcare provision – helping to prevent costly state intervention later on in life. This also allows parents the opportunity to enter the workforce.
- Cradle to college commitment – to ensure that children have access to high standard teaching throughout their years of schooling.
- Make schools, particularly primary schools, community hubs after school to encourage parents to engage with their child within a school setting (how parents can support their child).
- Embrace digital technology and the internet with the potential they offer to revolutionise teaching.
- Bring back the Graduate Leader Fund – this enables young graduates to work in nursery and childcare settings, which raises the standard of childcare or nursery provision.
Labour needs to be 21st century-ready and our progressive early years strategy has the potential to resonate with millions of parents across Britain. Parents who did not necessarily vote Labour in 2015, but who value safety, happiness and community values. This comes at a time, when now more than ever, we need to have progressive voices shaping Labour’s future if we are about returning to power.
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James Metcalfe is a parliamentary assistant. He tweets @MrJMetcalfe
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