I am an optimist. I am also a realist. I would happily bet my last extra large box of Ferrero Rocher that Justine Greening, Nick Gibb and Amanda Spielman aren't going to turn up at my door and tell me that we have been right all along, our petition has made them see the light and that the English system is damaged goods and needs a total redesign in line with all the evidence and research in the world. But I do know that along with 26k of you who have signed this petition, the almost 40k members of the facebook group Keeping Early Years Unique and the world full of educational activists out there, we have something special, a passionate community, a dedicated movement saying loud and clear "Enough is enough, we will not tolerate this any more". There has been much criticism of OFSTED's recent report into the Reception year #boldbeginnings. In all my years of working with children I have never seen such a collective response to not only this flawed and dangerous report, but the system in general that our children are subjected to. A system where their mental health, well being and all round learning and development plays second fiddle to a narrow archaic curriculum. They are tested more than most children in the world, start school earlier and yet apparently do less well. Let me clear here, this is not about not wanting children to learn to read, write and use maths. I do not know anyone opposed to this. These are essential skills for life, but they must be taught appropriately to children and they must not become abstract and narrow children's learning experiences. They must not become all that a four year olds day is about. So I urge you keep talking, keep sharing, whether you work in education, are a concerned carer or parent or indeed just an advocate for children. We have a voice and its getting louder. We cannot be ignored. So no, this petition itself may not see the changes we so desperately need, but together we can be the change and I believe we will be. Get involved, and please look at these groups and be a part of something amazing, something which can AND WILL make the impossible possible. Thank you. Now where is that box of Ferrero Rocher? http://www.educationforward.co.uk/show-your-support/ https://letthekidsbekids.wordpress.com https://rescueourschools.co.uk https://morethanascore.co.uk http://www.savechildhood.net http://www.toomuchtoosoon.org/latest-news.html http://www.upstart.scot