The early years sector - funding and value

Early Years Equality was formed in 2022 in response to the crisis in the early years sector. We are underfunded and undervalued and this is impacting the sustainability of our settings and the amount we can pay our incredible educators.

We are currently around 100% underfunded and we need to unite to let the country know that we do not accept this. This is not just an issue affecting providers; it affects all those working in early years settings, parents that cannot afford the fees which are a direct result of underfunding and most importantly if affects children under 5 who need high-quality, sustainable early years education and care as part of giving them the best start in life.

Our management team is made up of 3 nursery owners who are passionate about making a difference. We are attempting to unite the sector and increase the value placed upon what we do by moving away from the term childcare (which implies babysitting). We will be fighting for this value to be recognised through proper funding or at a minimum by the government removing the word 'free' from their offer. It is not free because they do not fund enough for it to be free. However, this second option will only increase the fees put upon parents and so the first option (adequate funding) is the focus!

Are you a parent of a child under 5?

Do you care about giving young children the best start in life?

Do you work in the early years sector?

Do you own an early years setting?

If the answer to any of these is yes then join us on June 24th at the gates of Downing Street, London so we can show the country that we will not be ignored! Sign up here

This brings us to the reason for the fundraising....

Early Years Equality is run entirely by volunteers but there are costs associated with the campaign that we will need funding for. For example:

-Our last protest had to be cancelled due to train strikes. This can't happen again so we are organising coaches. Your donations will go towards making sure everyone willing to fight for the early years sector can attend including those who may not be able to afford to pay for their own ticket.

- An effective protest that stands out needs props. Some may be possible to make for free but there are others, including our Rights on Ribbons installation that will need funding.

- We need to make this as big as we possibly can to show the country that we mean business. To get the word out to as many providers, practitioners, parents and grandparents as possible we need to advertise nationwide which again needs funding

This list is not exhaustive but every penny will go towards making this the most effective campaign possible. The majority will probably be used for the June 24th protest and the running costs of the campaign. Should there be any left over it will go towards future action on behalf of England's Early Years Sector.